I am often asked how I became interested in surrogate parenting. Fate is the easiest answer. I was destined for this role. As you read my story, you will understand why I say this.
My parents had 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. I was the youngest. Statistics indicate that at least one of us would face fertility challenges. One of my older brothers and his wife struggled to conceive and turned to adoption. After significant setbacks and heartbreak, they were eventually blessed with two wonderful children who have grown into remarkable adults. And now they are grandparents to two amazing kids!
This experience heightened my awareness of the struggles many couples face and the various paths available, including surrogacy. In the early 1980s, an inspiring Life magazine article about women achieving motherhood through surrogacy ignited my passion for this process, even before the term was widely known. The downside was that we lived in Texas, and surrogacy was not permitted by law. So, in that decade, I had two amazing kids, Jennifer & Johnny, who have blessed me with 7 grandchildren!
After learning about surrogacy, it seemed I saw the possibility of it everywhere. A co-worker endured fertility treatments for years without results, a close friend had an emergency hysterectomy while giving birth to her first child, and met cancer survivors who were lucky to be alive but would never achieve parenthood without someone’s help. I knew the solution to all of their problems, it was just the location that would stand in the way.
It’s 1990, and we moved to California. Unbeknownst to me, I moved to the surrogacy capital of the world! And then, as they say, the rest is history. I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a surrogate and helped a couple have the daughter they always dreamed of. I then founded Building Families in 1991.
I have always been the primary contact for Intended Parents, overseeing every surrogacy case. My long-standing relationships with leading reproductive endocrinologists, psychologists, and attorneys ensure that we offer a comprehensive and up-to-date surrogacy program. My own experience as a Surrogate has deepened my commitment to providing a seamless and supportive journey for all involved.
Carol Weathers has been facilitating surrogacy arrangements since 1991. Carol is the Founding Owner and Program Director of Building Families, Inc. She is the first contact for the Intended Parents when they begin their journey into the Surrogacy Process. Carol is involved in and supervises every surrogacy case. In her many years of practice, Carol has established long standing relationships with reproductive endocrinologists, psychologists and attorneys whom are leaders in the field of third party reproduction. Her association with these and other professionals has assisted her in offering a comprehensive surrogacy program as well as receiving up-to-date information on any changes in the industry that could affect the Intended Parents and their Surrogate. Carol was a Surrogate herself, delivering a baby girl in July 1993.