Gestational Surrogacy Regulations in Mississippi

Overview

Gestational Surrogacy is generally permitted in Mississippi. There are no statutes or published case law that specifically permits or prohibits surrogacy.

Intended Parents

Age requirement:
18 years of age or older
Marriage requirement:
No
Married heterosexual couple:
Yes
Married same-sex couple:
Yes
Unmarried heterosexual couple:
Yes
Unmarried same-sex couple:
Yes
Resident status:
No
Independent legal counsel:
Yes

Gestational Surrogates

Age requirement:
18 years of age or older
Marriage requirement:
No
If married/partnered:
husband’s/partner’s sperm cannot be used
Surrogate status:
Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy
Resident status:
Yes
Use of own embryos:
No
Independent legal counsel:
Yes

Embryos

Intended Parents own sperm:
Yes
Intended Parents own eggs:
Yes
Intended Parents using sperm donor:
Yes*
Intended Parents using egg donor:
Yes*
Intended Parents using both egg and sperm donor:
Yes*
*see Post-Birth Order allowances.

Birth of Child

Birth in Mississippi:
Yes
Birth outside of Mississippi:
Yes, however, discuss with your legal counsel

Mississippi courts are prone to granting Pre-Birth Orders, especially when at least one Intended Parent is genetically related to the child. If neither Intended Parent is genetically related to the child, a Pre-Birth Order is still possible, with results varying by county. Post-Birth Adoptions are also available in the state.

Parentage

Pre-Birth Orders:
Yes
Hearing to obtain Order:
Yes, unless judge waives hearing
Post-Birth Orders:
Yes

General Information

Will Mississippi Vital Records honor a Pre-Birth Order from another state:
Yes
What is the typical time frame to obtain a birth certificate after delivery:
3 weeks
How are same-sex parents named on the final birth certificate:
Parent and Parent* (Intended Parents can choose to be listed as ‘Parent’)
Can an international same-sex male couple obtain an initial birth certificate naming the biological father and Gestational Carrier:
Yes
Can an international same-sex male couple subsequently obtain a birth certificate naming only the biological father or both fathers with no mention of the Gestational Carrier:
Yes* (Because there is no case law it is unclear whether these circumstances would be accepted by the court. Please consult with a local attorney)

Second Parent and Stepparent Adoptions for Mississippi Residents:

This situation typically arises if the child is born outside of Mississippi. The parents then return to Mississippi to obtain a second parent adoption or stepparent adoption in Mississippi. Please consult with your attorney on this matter if this issue is to arise.

Traditional Surrogacy in Mississippi?

Traditional Surrogacy in Mississippi is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it. Please consult with a local attorney to determine if you can move forward with traditional surrogacy.
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