State surrogacy and surrogate pay

Surrogacy in Tennessee: is it legal and how does parentage work?

The short answer

Gestational surrogacy is legal and practiced in Tennessee. Tennessee has no comprehensive surrogacy statute; its law defines surrogacy and the Tennessee Supreme Court addressed traditional surrogacy in 2014, but gestational surrogacy proceeds through court parentage orders. Pre-birth orders are generally available when at least one intended parent is genetically related; a non-genetic parent may need a post-birth adoption, so same-sex and donor-embryo families plan the parentage path early with counsel. Compensation is permitted. Private Label Surrogacy recruits Tennessee surrogates and pays $60,000 first-time base compensation (proposed). Confirm current practice with Tennessee counsel.

Written by Jan Telman Berman

Global Surrogacy Coordinator. 18+ years managing national and international cycles.

Last updated October 14, 2026

Is surrogacy legal in Tennessee?

This section is being written.

What law governs surrogacy in Tennessee?

This section is being written.

How is parentage established in Tennessee: pre-birth or post-birth?

This section is being written.

Who can be an intended parent in Tennessee?

This section is being written.

Who can be a surrogate in Tennessee?

This section is being written.

How does PLS work with Tennessee surrogates and parents?

This section is being written.

What does a Tennessee journey cost and how is money held?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

Tennessee at a glance: legal basis, status line ('Legal by practice; limited statutory definition; genetic link affects parentage path'), parentage method ('Pre-birth order when a genetic parent; adoption for non-genetic parent'), who can be an intended parent, surrogate requirements, compensation permitted, PLS recruits here

Editor notes (C-048): CONFIRM WITH COUNSEL: legal status summary, parentage practice and any residency or marital-status rules for Tennessee. No statute numbers until counsel signs off. Add 'Reviewed by counsel [name], [date]'.

Frequently asked questions

Is compensated surrogacy legal in Tennessee?

Legal by practice; limited statutory definition; genetic link affects parentage path. Confirm the current position with a Tennessee reproductive attorney before signing.

Do intended parents get a pre-birth order in Tennessee?

Pre-birth order when a genetic parent; adoption for non-genetic parent.

Can single or LGBTQ parents use a Tennessee surrogate?

In practice yes, though the parentage route may differ; a Tennessee attorney will confirm the path for your family.

Does PLS match surrogates in Tennessee?

Yes. PLS recruits Tennessee surrogates and pays the same compensation as in Illinois: $60,000 first-time base (proposed).