{"id":831,"date":"2023-05-03T15:16:14","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T22:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/?p=831"},"modified":"2023-08-17T11:15:43","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T18:15:43","slug":"surrogacy-in-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Surrogacy in Tennessee Guide: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div>\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#State-by-State_Surrogacy_Laws_Surrogacy_in_Tennessee\" title=\"State-by-State Surrogacy Laws: Surrogacy in Tennessee\">State-by-State Surrogacy Laws: Surrogacy in Tennessee<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#In_Tennessee_is_compensated_surrogacy_legal\" title=\"In Tennessee, is compensated surrogacy legal?\">In Tennessee, is compensated surrogacy legal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#Do_I_need_to_use_a_surrogacy_agency\" title=\"Do I need to use a surrogacy agency? \u00a0\">Do I need to use a surrogacy agency? \u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#What_are_the_some_of_the_restrictions_on_Intended_Parent_eligibility_in_Tennessee\" title=\"What are the some of the restrictions on Intended Parent eligibility in Tennessee? \">What are the some of the restrictions on Intended Parent eligibility in Tennessee? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#Emergency_reproductive_healthcare_access_in_Tennessee_is_severely_restricted\" title=\"Emergency reproductive healthcare access in Tennessee is severely restricted\">Emergency reproductive healthcare access in Tennessee is severely restricted<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#What_requirements_must_surrogates_meet_to_be_considered_qualified\" title=\"What requirements must surrogates meet to be considered qualified?\">What requirements must surrogates meet to be considered qualified?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-tennessee\/#You_can_match_directly_%E2%80%93_no_need_to_use_a_surrogacy_agency\" title=\"You can match directly &#8211; no need to use a surrogacy agency!\">You can match directly &#8211; no need to use a surrogacy agency!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"State-by-State_Surrogacy_Laws_Surrogacy_in_Tennessee\"><\/span><strong>State-by-State Surrogacy Laws: Surrogacy in Tennessee<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>At present, Tennessee has not taken a legislative stance on surrogacy. This puts Tennessee in the category of surrogacy being neither prohibited or sanctioned by the state. This is not unusual, legislators are still catching up with advances in assisted reproduction. Tennessee is viewed as surrogacy-accessible for specific categories of Intended Parents; it\u2019s generally safe to precede with surrogacy in the state though establishing parentage for children born from surrogacy can be more complicated depending on the Intended Parent(s)\u2019 genetic relationship to the child. It\u2019s not recommended that Intended Parents pursue surrogacy in Tennessee when neither parent is genetically related to the child (e.g. in the case of a donated embryo).<\/p>\r\n<p>While not prohibited, <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/traditional-surrogacy-vs-gestational-surrogacy\/\">traditional surrogacy<\/a> is not advised as traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-contracts-and-agreements\/\">surrogacy contracts<\/a> are considered unenforceable in the state. This makes traditional surrogacy inherently more risky for both parties. If you are considering traditional surrogacy, you will need to discuss the <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-risks-and-complications\/\">risks<\/a> with a licensed attorney.<\/p>\r\n<p>The reasons Intended Parents decide to explore surrogacy are varied and include past-pregnancy complications, unexplained <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-women-with-infertility\/\">infertility<\/a>, health issues where <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-pregnancy\/\">pregnancy<\/a> is a contradiction, functional issues with uterus, LGBTQ+ identity, recurrent miscarriages and failures for <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/alabama-ruling-on-embryos\/\">embryos<\/a> to implant. Why do surrogates want to carry children for others? Their reasons are also varied, but the overwhelming majority do so because they feel a sincere desire to help those that can\u2019t have families of their own without assistance. The financial upside is a bonus for doing something amazing for others.<\/p>\r\n<p>Intended Parents begin their pursuit of surrogacy with a consultation with a Reproductive Endocrinologist. Most Intended Parents entering surrogacy arrangements will have their embryos created first, well before matching. Both surrogates and Intended Parents will need to follow the advice of a qualified attorney when proceeding past the matching phase. If you don\u2019t already have an attorney, you can find contact info by state in our own <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/attorney\/directory\">attorney directory<\/a> where we list professionals that specifically handle surrogacy cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is mandatory for all parties involved in negotiating and finalizing surrogacy contracts have their own independent legal representation. The Intended Parents are responsible for the payment of their own attorney&#8217;s fees as well as any and all legal expenses incurred by the surrogate. Surrogacy agreements are comprehensive and encompass a wide variety of potential scenarios as life as well as an acknowledgement that pregnancy can be unpredictable. Always seek guidance from an attorney so that you fully understand your <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-parental-rights\/\">rights<\/a> throughout <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-process\/\">the process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Tennessee_is_compensated_surrogacy_legal\"><\/span><strong>In Tennessee, is<\/strong><strong> compensated surrogacy legal?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Yes. As there are no laws regulating surrogacy, there are no laws which address <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-compensation\/\">surrogacy compensation<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-carrier-requirements\/\">Gestational carriers<\/a> in the state are free to choose their own base <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/paid-surrogacy\/\">compensation<\/a> and general terms.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_to_use_a_surrogacy_agency\"><\/span><strong>Do I need to use a surrogacy agency? <\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Nope. Using a surrogacy agency is entirely up to you. Agencies may be useful to some, but they are not a required expense of surrogacy. Using an agency is not a guarantee that your journey will be successful or that you will achieve a better match or result. Going independent without a surrogacy agency is growing in popularity for many reasons. There are loads of folks that find managing their own journey preferable to being tethered to a particular agency and their practices and limited pool of available clients in their databases.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_some_of_the_restrictions_on_Intended_Parent_eligibility_in_Tennessee\"><\/span><strong>What are the some of the <\/strong><strong>restrictions on Intended Parent eligibility in Tennessee? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Pre-birth orders are possible when both parents are genetically related to the child. When an intended <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/rise-of-the-single-dad\/\">father<\/a> is genetically related (e.g. when using an egg donor), only he will be granted a pre-birth order establishing his parentage; the other parent must complete a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-post-birth-arrangements\/\">post-birth<\/a> adoption. Single women or Lesbian individuals\/couples using a donated egg should avoid surrogacy in Tennessee. Gay men who do not share a genetic connection to their child(ren) should also avoid surrogacy in the state.<\/p>\r\n<h2><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 719px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 719\/374;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_reproductive_healthcare_access_in_Tennessee_is_severely_restricted\"><\/span><strong>Emergency r<\/strong><strong>eproductive healthcare access in Tennessee is severely restricted<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Tennessee enacted a \u201cheart beat bill\u201d in 2022 limiting abortions to very narrow circumstances e.g. fetuses with no detectable heartbeats and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/attorneygeneral\/documents\/pr\/2022\/pr22-21-heartbeat-bill.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cabortions necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman\u201d<\/a>. There are no protections to prevent disability or severe harm (mentally or physically) to a pregnant woman. These restrictions may increase her risk of preventable death from unexpected pregnancy complications. Surrogates that are residents of Tennessee and intended parents should discuss contingency plans that may include travel and what to do if serious pregnancy complications arise.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_requirements_must_surrogates_meet_to_be_considered_qualified\"><\/span><strong>What requirements must surrogates meet to be considered qualified?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>The typical <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-eligibility-criteria\/\">requirements<\/a> to keep in mind can be found in our <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/quiz\">surrogates requirements quiz<\/a>. If you\u2019re a surrogate, consider taking it to see how you measure up.<\/p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, prospective surrogates should meet these requirements:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Your medical history includes only complications-free pregnancies, including no symptoms of post-partum depression.<\/li>\r\n<li>You are between the ages of 21-44.<\/li>\r\n<li>You own your residence or have long-term housing.<\/li>\r\n<li>You are finished building your own <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-with-a-family-member\/\">family<\/a> and would have no regrets if future children of your own were off the table.<\/li>\r\n<li>You are financially secure and not receiving any government assistance.<\/li>\r\n<li>You are willing to take hormones and required <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-myth-experimental-medications\/\">medications<\/a> as prescribed by your Intended Parents\u2019 Reproductive Endocrinologist and by your own OB-GYN.<\/li>\r\n<li>You are smoke and drug free and will not drink alcohol or ingest harmful substances while pregnant.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Remember, even if you\u2019ve had easy pregnancies and the desire to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/\">become a surrogate<\/a>, it doesn\u2019t mean you can become one. All women interested in becoming surrogates must be professionally evaluated by a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist whose standards are\u00a0 higher than when evaluating women that want to conceive naturally. If you do pass your Intended Parent(s)\u2019 Reproductive Endocrinologist\u2019s clinical evaluation \u2013 congrats, the next step is to finalize surrogacy contracts before moving onto <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-embryo-transfer-process\/\">embryo transfer<\/a>. After embryo transfer, the exciting hopeful phase of a successful surrogacy journey begins.<\/p>\r\n<p>Surrogates: here\u2019s some additional information on <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/\">steps you should expect to follow<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_can_match_directly_%E2%80%93_no_need_to_use_a_surrogacy_agency\"><\/span><strong>You can match directly &#8211; no need to use <\/strong><strong>a surrogacy agency!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Those interested in undergoing an <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/\">independent journey<\/a> can use Surrogacy Place to self-match. There are many advantages to going indy. Obviously there are cost savings, but you also have access to a larger pool of potential candidates and will likely experience a significantly shorter wait time for matching. Surrogacy Place has search-by fields that allow Intended Parents and surrogates to find each other to start potential match conversations directly within our site. Once you have an idea of what you\u2019re looking for, you can freely match with potentials using specific parameters including location.<\/p>\r\n<p>Deciding to not use an agency and directly manage a surrogacy journey is the right conclusion for many surrogates and Intended Parents alike. For Intended Parents that are apprehensive about self-managing the process, <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/attorney\/directory\">surrogacy-experienced attorneys<\/a> (who will not charge the very expensive fees agencies charge for their services!) do nearly all of the required administrative work. Many attorneys will happily provide their clients with a list of required items needed to complete a successful journey. Attorneys understand the complexity of surrogacy and are there to provide you with the information you need. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Surrogates have very specific reasons why they can <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-journeys\/\">prefer independent journeys<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to explore potential matches, create a profile on Surrogacy Place. Surrogates can join for free. If you\u2019re an Intended Parent, you will pay a small access fee in order to use most of the site\u2019s features including messaging. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\">Surrogacy Place\u2019s sign-up page.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Intended Parents: unsure how much will <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-much-does-surrogacy-cost\/\">surrogacy cost<\/a> you? Here\u2019s an overview with <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-much-does-surrogacy-cost\/\">breakdown of costs<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Need info from a different state? We compiled info from all 50 states. <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/category\/surrogacy-by-state\/\">Check out our guide<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 754px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 754\/203;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>State-by-State Surrogacy Laws: Surrogacy in Tennessee At present, Tennessee has not taken a legislative stance on surrogacy. This puts Tennessee in the category of surrogacy&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,5,54],"tags":[19,20,21,25,31,32,33,35,38,42,44,45,48,96,49],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/831"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/831\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}