Who Is Jadira Bonilla? New Jersey Teacher on Leave Over Surrogacy

Jadira Bonilla, a 35-year-old kindergarten teacher at St. Mary School in Vineland, New Jersey, has been placed on paid leave. The decision came after she informed the school that she was carrying a couple’s baby as a surrogate. Reports say the school believes this may violate its employment contract and Catholic educational principles.

Jadira Bonilla’s Statement

Bonilla told NJ.com, “I’m not committing a crime, and I’m being punished as if I was. It’s hurtful.” She has worked at St. Mary School for over three years and said her surrogacy is meant to help a family.

“I truly love my job. I love working with my students. I miss being in the classroom,” she said.

School Response

St. Mary School’s principal, Steven Hogan, described Bonilla as a “valued teacher.” However, he emphasized that the Catholic Church’s stance on surrogacy guides the school’s policies. Pope Francis has called surrogacy a “despicable” practice, citing it as contradictory to the unity of marriage.

Hogan said the school hopes to meet with Bonilla to fully explain the Church’s teachings on surrogacy. He added that she might return to teaching after understanding these principles.

Legal Background

Bonilla noted that her employment contract and handbook did not mention surrogacy or in vitro fertilization. She also said she had previously been a surrogate at another Catholic school without issue.

In 2023, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that religious entities are legally allowed to make employment decisions based on their faith. This ruling followed a decade-long legal case involving a different Catholic teacher.

Community Support

Bonilla has received an outpouring of support from many parents and community members. She said the encouragement has been “immense.” She is now 25 weeks pregnant and has already served as a surrogate for another couple.