The decision to become a gestational carrier is one of the most selfless and rewarding journeys a person can take. In North Carolina, this path involves clear qualifications, comprehensive screening, and legal safeguards to ensure a safe and respectful process for all involved.
Whether you’re exploring this for the first time or are already committed to the idea, this guide will walk you through how to become a gestational carrier in North Carolina—from the basic requirements to the final steps.
Key Takeaways
- Gestational carriers are women who carry a child with no genetic link to them, using embryos created through IVF from the intended parents or donors.
- North Carolina is surrogacy-friendly, with a supportive legal climate and experienced agencies, though it lacks specific surrogacy legislation.
- To qualify, gestational carriers must meet specific health, age, lifestyle, and emotional readiness criteria recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
- The journey involves a step-by-step process: self-evaluation, agency selection, thorough screening, matching with intended parents, legal contracts, medical preparation, pregnancy, and delivery.
- Village Surrogacy supports carriers with professional guidance, legal resources, and emotional care—making sure you’re respected, protected, and valued at every stage.
What Is a Gestational Carrier?
A gestational carrier, often referred to as a gestational surrogate, is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple. Unlike traditional surrogacy, a gestational carrier has no genetic link to the child. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is then transferred into the carrier’s uterus.
This distinction makes gestational surrogacy a legally and emotionally safer option for many families, including same-sex couples, single parents, and those facing infertility.
Why North Carolina?
North Carolina is a surrogacy-friendly state, although it doesn’t have specific legislation that governs surrogacy. Instead, it relies on legal precedents and a supportive judicial system. Many surrogacy agencies, clinics, and family law attorneys in the state are well-versed in assisting both gestational carriers and intended parents through the process.
Gestational Carrier Requirements in NC
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand the gestational carrier requirements in NC. While each surrogacy agency may have slight variations, most follow the guidelines recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Basic Qualifications
To qualify as a gestational carrier in North Carolina, you must generally:
- Be between 21 and 42 years old (some clinics may allow up to 45)
- Have given birth to at least one child with a healthy pregnancy and delivery history
- Have no major complications during previous pregnancies (e.g., preeclampsia, preterm labor)
- Be physically and mentally healthy
- Have a BMI typically below 32 (ranges may vary)
- Be a non-smoker and drug-free
- Have stable housing and financial independence
- Pass a background check
These qualifications ensure the safety of both the gestational carrier and the baby throughout the pregnancy.
Psychological & Emotional Readiness
Becoming a gestational carrier isn’t just a physical journey—it’s an emotional one too. You’ll need to:
- Undergo psychological screening to assess emotional preparedness
- Have a strong support system (partner, family, or close friends)
- Be open to honest communication and mutual respect with the intended parents
This part of the process helps ensure that you’re mentally and emotionally ready for the unique challenges and rewards of surrogacy.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Gestational Carrier in North Carolina
Now that you understand the qualifications, let’s explore the process step by step.
Step 1: Research and Self-Evaluation
Start by asking yourself some important questions:
- Why do I want to become a gestational carrier?
- Am I prepared for the physical and emotional demands of surrogacy?
- How will this decision impact my family and daily life?
It’s important to have a clear understanding of your motivations and be open to learning more.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Surrogacy Agency
Working with a trusted surrogacy agency like Village Surrogacy offers support throughout the process—from matching with intended parents to final delivery. A good agency will advocate for your well-being, support legal compliance, and guide you through every stage.
Look for an agency with:
- Positive reviews and testimonials
- Transparent policies
- Support for gestational carriers
- Partnerships with top fertility clinics
Step 3: Complete a Surrogate Screening Process
Once you apply, you’ll undergo a comprehensive surrogate screening. This includes:
- Medical screening: Bloodwork, ultrasounds, physical exams, and review of your pregnancy history
- Psychological evaluation: Interviews with a mental health professional to ensure emotional readiness
- Background check: Review of criminal history and sometimes financial stability
- Home assessment (if applicable): Ensures your living environment is safe and supportive
This thorough evaluation ensures a healthy, supportive, and successful surrogacy journey.
Step 4: Match With Intended Parents
Once you pass the screening process, your agency will begin the matching process. This step is carefully curated to ensure a strong connection between you and the intended parents.
During this stage, you’ll:
- Review the intended parents’ profile
- Have the opportunity for a meeting or video call
- Discuss preferences and expectations (e.g., contact level, birth plan, etc.)
Mutual agreement and comfort are key here.
Step 5: Legal Contracts
North Carolina encourages clear, legally binding agreements between gestational carriers and intended parents. Each party must have separate legal representation to avoid conflicts of interest.
Contracts typically cover:
- Compensation and expense reimbursement
- Health and life insurance coverage
- Decisions about medical care
- Parental rights and responsibilities
- Confidentiality and communication
This legal protection ensures clarity and safety for everyone involved.
Step 6: Medical Preparation & Embryo Transfer
After the legal paperwork is complete, you’ll begin preparing your body for the embryo transfer at a fertility clinic. This involves:
- Taking prescribed hormones and medications
- Regular checkups and monitoring
- Scheduling the embryo transfer (performed via IVF)
Once the embryo is successfully implanted, you’ll continue with prenatal care like any other pregnancy—with the added support of your agency and the intended parents.
Step 7: Pregnancy & Delivery
Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll attend regular OB/GYN appointments and follow the agreed-upon birth plan. Your agency and the intended parents will stay closely involved to offer support and ensure everyone’s needs are met.
After the baby is delivered, legal documents will establish the intended parents as the legal guardians, and you can take pride in knowing you helped build a family.
FAQs About Becoming a Gestational Carrier in NC
Is surrogacy legal in North Carolina?
Yes, while there’s no specific law governing surrogacy in North Carolina, it’s a legally practiced and widely accepted process when handled with proper legal contracts and professional guidance.
Do gestational carriers get paid?
Yes. Gestational carriers typically receive compensation ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on experience, medical needs, and the specific arrangement. In addition to base compensation, carriers are reimbursed for expenses such as travel, maternity clothing, and medical costs.
Can a friend or relative be a gestational carrier?
Absolutely. Known carriers (friends or family members) can become gestational carriers, but the process must still include full surrogate screening, legal contracts, and medical evaluation to ensure safety and fairness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to become a gestational carrier in North Carolina, you’re about to embark on one of the most meaningful journeys of your life. The road is filled with careful planning, professional support, and emotional milestones—but the reward of helping build a family is immeasurable.
At Village Surrogacy, we are dedicated to guiding compassionate, qualified women through every step of this experience. If you’re ready to take the first step, contact us today to learn more about the gestational carrier requirements in NC and begin your surrogate screening process.
