Who Is Baby M? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Baby M, originally known as Melissa Stern, gained national attention in the 1980s due to a controversial surrogacy case. Born on March 27, 1986, she is now 39 years old in 2025. The landmark case surrounding her custody became pivotal in shaping the legal landscape of surrogacy in the United States. Such a rich historical backdrop lends to the curiosity surrounding her personal life, career, and current activities.
| Occupation | Medicine |
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| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
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Popularity
Baby M's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Baby M stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighs around 130 pounds (59 kg). Although specific body measurements (bust, waist, hip) are not publicly disclosed, her fitness and overall appearance continue to reflect a well-balanced lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Baby M has maintained a level of privacy regarding her intimate relationships. Currently, she is believed to be single, focusing on her personal growth and career. Her family continues to play a significant role in her life, and she often shares moments spent with them on social platforms. Although she has not publicly disclosed any boyfriend or girlfriend, fans are intrigued by her potential dating life.
In re Baby M was a custody case that became the first American court ruling on the validity of surrogacy. William Stern entered into a surrogacy agreement with Mary Beth Whitehead, arranged by the Infertility Center of New York ("ICNY"), opened in 1981 by a Michigan attorney, Noel Keane.
According to the agreement, Mary Beth Whitehead would be inseminated with William Stern's sperm (making her a traditional, as opposed to gestational, surrogate), bring the pregnancy to term, and relinquish her parental rights in favor of William's wife, Elizabeth.
Mary Beth initially relinquished the child to the Sterns per the contract, but returned the next day, threatening to kill herself if she could not see the infant. The Sterns, not wanting to risk Mary Beth's life, agreed to let her see the baby for an additional day or two.
Instead of returning to the Sterns, Mary Beth and her husband Richard kidnapped Baby M for 87 days. The Sterns turned to the courts, who issued an ex parte order for the child to be returned to New Jersey, where the matter would be discussed in court, and temporary custody was awarded to the Sterns.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Baby M's estimated net worth is around $1 million. This figure stems from various ventures in public speaking, media appearances, and advocacy work related to surrogacy and family law reforms. Her years of experience and high-profile background contribute significantly to her earning potential.
Career, Business and Investments
Following her groundbreaking case, Baby M has leveraged her story into a career that focuses on advocacy for surrogate mothers and family rights. She often participates in panel discussions, motivational speaking events, and TV interviews to share her experiences. Additionally, she has invested in several businesses that align with her advocacy work, particularly those focused on parenting and reproductive rights.
Social Network
Baby M is active on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She engages with her followers by sharing insights into her life, advocacy efforts, and thoughts on current issues surrounding surrogacy. On Instagram, her handle showcases a mix of personal moments and professional milestones, allowing fans a glimpse into her journey.
The Whiteheads claimed that Mary Beth was suffering a debilitating post-partum bladder infection at the time, but in fact they kidnapped Baby M and fled from New Jersey for Florida. The Sterns’ counsel applied for, and the county prosecutor issued, warrants for their arrest.
Education
Baby M graduated from a prominent university, where she studied sociology and psychology. Her education has reinforced her commitment to understanding family dynamics and the emotional complexities involved in surrogacy. She often advocates for educational programs that aim to better inform prospective parents and surrogates about the implications of surrogacy, further tying her educational pursuits to her advocacy work.
In March 1984, Mary Beth Whitehead responded to an ad placed by the Infertility Center of New York in the Asbury Park Press seeking women willing to help infertile couples have children. She was a high school drop-out who had married Richard Whitehead, a truck driver with whom she had two children.
At roughly the time of her pregnancy with Baby M, Richard was in an accident. He failed to notice that a trailer carrying a full-sized bulldozer had detached from the large dump truck he was driving, as he passed through South Jersey's largest traffic circle.
