Teachers at South New Jersey Catholic Schools took a leave of absence after revealing to the principal that they were carrying a surrogate child for a couple.
Jadira Bonilla, 35, began her paid leave from St. Mary’s School in Vineland on September 12. The leave reportedly followed a violation of employment terms and the school’s “educational principles.”
Bonilla expressed her distress, saying, “I haven’t done anything wrong. It feels like I’m being punished.” She’s been a kindergarten teacher at the school for over three years and insisted, “I’m just trying to help my family.”
Principal Stephen Hogan, who praised Bonilla’s work, stated that the Catholic Church’s stance on surrogacy aligns with their educational guidelines.
The Catholic Church has consistently opposed surrogacy, linking it to issues of marriage integrity. Notably, Pope Francis once labeled surrogacy as a “sneaky” practice.
Despite the church’s position, Bonilla stated that her employment contract and employee handbook did not specifically address surrogacy or in vitro fertilization.
“I didn’t think it was a significant issue,” Bonilla remarked, referring to her experience as a surrogate for another family.
During their discussion, Hogan said Bonilla couldn’t continue her work while pregnant with someone else’s child, but he didn’t provide a formal written explanation when she requested one.
After informing the principal about her pregnancy on behalf of a couple, Bonilla was called in for a meeting more than a week later. Officials from the Camden Parish indicated that she might have breached her contract and would need to take leave while they conducted an “investigation.”
Feeling disheartened, Bonilla shared, “I genuinely love my job and working with my students. I miss being in the classroom.”
Principal Hogan expressed understanding of Bonilla’s concerns and hoped to clarify the Catholic Church’s teachings on surrogacy with her, although that meeting had not yet occurred.
Bonilla, described as a “precious teacher,” has been temporarily removed from the classroom due to her announcement.
A 2023 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling stated that religious organizations could opt out of discrimination laws when acting in accordance with their beliefs, allowing a Catholic school to dismiss an employee for being unmarried and pregnant.
This decision concluded a lengthy legal battle.
After deciding to be a surrogate for her cousin, who couldn’t carry her own child, Bonilla has found support from many parents at the school.
As of now, she is 25 weeks pregnant with the couple’s child and already has a child herself.
“I’ve received a tremendous amount of love and support from so many people,” Bonilla commented.
At the time of publication, St. Mary’s School had not responded to requests for comments.
