At Southern Surrogacy, we work closely with prospective surrogates and intended parents to ensure a successful surrogacy outcome. We’ll guide all involved parties through our comprehensive screening process, providing optimal matches on both sides. We provide multiple surrogacy services throughout North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, and beyond.
Welcome to Southern Surrogacy in North Carolina
Southern Surrogacy is a full-service surrogacy program that was founded by attorneys possessing more than 30 years of experience in third-party assisted reproduction law. We work with local communities, employing a personalized, hands-on approach. We’re always available for surrogate candidates and intended parents, providing support, from the application stage through the baby’s birth.
Gestational Surrogacy, Explained
Gestational surrogacy is the only service provided by Southern Surrogacy. It involves a gestational surrogate carrying a healthy pregnancy to term for an individual or couple, known as the intended parents (IPs). This process is different from traditional surrogacy in that the gestational surrogate, or carrier, has no biological connection to the baby.
The Surrogate Process in North Carolina
Surrogacy Laws in North Carolina
While no statutes or published case laws specifically allow or prohibit gestational surrogacy in North Carolina, the state provides an efficient legal process. The courts typically have a positive attitude toward proceedings and arrangements. Rest assured, Southern Surrogacy works with lawyers who are skilled in the surrogacy process, ensuring that any actions completed with us will be completed legally, efficiently, and ethically.
Nevertheless, legal procedures may vary among states and counties, making it essential that surrogates retain their own legal counsel in their own state.
The Surrogate Matching Process
When a potential surrogacy candidate has passed our screening requirements, she is then matched with hopeful intended parents. At Southern Surrogacy, we work hard to form strong connections between compatible surrogates and IPs. We prefer to know our clients well before introducing them to potential matches. Surrogates write profile letters, providing a snapshot for IPs, including a brief introduction of their family and photos. The IPs also write their own letters on the intended parent profiles, which are reviewed by surrogates. Should a potential match occur, and both parties want to move forward, we will set up the initial meeting.
Legal Aspects of Surrogacy
In those Southern states where we provide services, gestational surrogacy laws are, for the most part, favorable, with no prohibitive statutes or published case laws in place. Legal procedures may vary, but Southern Surrogacy is well-acquainted with local surrogacy laws. As we provide carriers with independent legal counsel, you’ll know that all aspects will be accomplished quickly, safely, and legally. We’ll ensure that our surrogates and IPs comply with all applicable laws in the state where your baby is born or where the fertility treatments are provided.
Medical Procedures in Surrogacy
Gestational surrogates become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs and sperm provided by the intended parents or donors to create an embryo. The process of embryo transfer is then performed, in which the embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.
Birth control pills and other hormones may be prescribed to regulate the surrogate’s cycle. The surrogate may also have to self-inject hormone (progesterone and estrogen) replacements to help maintain hormone levels and promote a stable pregnancy. When the embryos have grown for five days, the embryo transfer procedure is performed. The embryo is transferred via a catheter and inserted through the surrogate’s cervix into her uterus.
When a successful embryo transfer is completed, your doctor will perform an ultrasound, around the pregnancy’s sixth week. If a heartbeat is heard, your surrogate’s care may be released to an OB/GYN, depending on the circumstances.
The Birth and Transfer Process
Typically late in the second trimester of a gestational surrogacy pregnancy, certain steps are required to transfer the baby to his or her intended parents before birth. Lawyers will help the IPs legally protect their parental rights, so when the baby is born — often in a local hospital, under the care of the surrogate’s obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) — their names can be placed on the birth certificate.
The attorney will petition the court for a pre-birth parentage order, establishing the IPs as the child’s legal parents. They can then legally make medical decisions for their baby and take them home from the hospital. The IPs do not have to complete a stepparent adoption. To obtain this documentation, attorneys present evidence, like the surrogacy contract and a statement from the physician who completed the embryo transfer.
Becoming a Surrogate in North Carolina
If you decide to become a gestational surrogate, know that you’re performing a life-changing act, enabling individuals and couples to achieve their parenthood goals. You’re also given the chance to develop a one-of-a-kind, lifelong bond with the intended parents, their child, and the greater surrogacy community. In addition, you’ll be generously compensated, and deservedly so.
With that being said, you should be aware that surrogacy is a significant commitment, even if you’ve previously enjoyed pregnancy. The necessary medications may have side effects, and while counseling is provided, you can experience confusion and sadness about carrying a baby for others. You may also have to forfeit your professional and personal time with your family. It’s crucial that surrogates take protective measures throughout the process. One of the most important ways is to have your own legal counsel in your own state.
Surrogate Requirements in North Carolina
At Southern Surrogacy, our gestational surrogacy candidates are required to meet rigorous requirements, including those for physical health, mental health, legal background, and lifestyle.
The guidelines, in place to safeguard your health, and that of the baby and intended parents, are based on those established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
- You must be at least 21 years old and no older than 45 (as per the ASRM)
- You must have had a previous healthy pregnancy
- You must be raising your child in your home
- You must be smoke- and drug-free
- You must have a healthy body mass index (BMI)
- You must be able to travel for surrogacy appointments
Surrogate Compensation and Pay in North Carolina
At Southern Surrogacy, we understand that surrogates are sacrificing their valuable time and energy. As such, we require our IPs to provide generous, and much-deserved compensation. You’ll receive three types of surrogate pay, typically totaling $40,000 – $60,000.
- Competitive base compensation
- Supplement payments for additional procedures, discomfort, and lost wages
- Reimbursements for all surrogacy services and any expenses incurred during the surrogacy or pregnancy process
Learn more about compensation for Southern Surrogacy surrogates in North Carolina here.
Become a Surrogate in North Carolina
If you’d like to become an eligible surrogate candidate, you must pass basic qualifications. We require that you submit a brief questionnaire, followed by a comprehensive one involving your social and medical history. If qualifying, candidates then begin the surrogate screening process.
Once the requirements are met, you’ll be matched with the intended parents. After a successful match has occurred, you’ll undergo medical and psychological screenings, to assess your overall health and ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term. These will include a physical exam, assorted laboratory tests, and a sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening. You can also expect a psychological consultation and evaluation, conducted by a certified mental health professional. A physician will confirm when you’ve completed all screenings.
The next step is for the surrogacy agreement to be reviewed and signed by you, your independent legal counsel, and the IPs. When the contract is fully executed, you’ll start preparing for the embryo transfer procedure.
Finding a Surrogate in North Carolina
Selecting the surrogate may be among the most important decisions you’ll make during this process. At Southern Surrogacy, we recognize this, and we’ll help you find the best possible match, someone you trust and are comfortable working with.
We have roots in the Southern states we work in, and as such, we pride ourselves on helping intended parents at the local level. Other surrogacy agencies may provide similar levels of exceptional service, but we value a personal approach with you and our surrogacy candidates. From the very beginning of your journey, when you’re looking for an agency, we’ll schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. We believe this allows everyone to get to know each other, in a comfortable manner and also helps you determine if we’ll meet your needs.
One of the most important points we bring up is that you, as intended parents, must work with an agency that thoroughly understands the laws governing surrogacy, particularly those for individual states, like North Carolina. It’s our responsibility to help you avoid legal issues or unexpected events, and we make sure you clearly understand and are prepared for the entire process.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey in North Carolina
Whether you’re contemplating surrogacy or being an intended parent, working with a local surrogacy agency, such as Southern Surrogacy, is in your best interest. As a full-service surrogacy program, we employ a personalized, hands-on approach, working closely with local North Carolina communities and throughout other Southern states. We’re always available to our surrogates and IPs, providing comfort and support, and responding to your questions and concerns. Complete our online meeting request form to schedule a free 30-minute consultation here.