First-time surrogates in Tennessee earn $40,000–$55,000 base compensation plus monthly allowances. See full breakdown below.
| Base Compensation | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $47,000 – $73,000 |
| Base Compensation | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $57,000 – $88,000 |
Tennessee has a statutory definition of “surrogate birth” in Tenn. Code Ann. §36-1-102, but no operative framework. The definition sits inside the adoption code, is drafted around a married couple using their own gametes, and does not contemplate donor eggs or unmarried and same-sex intended parents. It neither permits nor prohibits what you are considering.
In In re Baby (Tenn. 2014) the Tennessee Supreme Court held that surrogacy contracts are not contrary to public policy — but that a court weighs the contract as only one factor in a best-interests analysis. That is a materially weaker position than in states where a compliant agreement is enforceable on its terms.
Several agency sites assert compensated surrogacy is prohibited in Tennessee. No statute expressly bans it, and practitioner sources describe compensated arrangements proceeding routinely. We are not going to resolve that for you — ask a Tennessee reproductive attorney directly how your compensation should be structured, and get the answer before you sign.
Pre-birth orders are available only where at least one intended parent is genetically related, and only that parent is named. Tennessee appellate authority holds that where an egg donor is used, the gestational carrier remains on the birth certificate until the non-genetic intended parent completes an adoption. Venue varies by county.
In re Baby held that a surrogate's parental rights cannot be terminated before birth, making a pre-birth waiver unenforceable against her. Note the limit: that protection runs to a traditional (genetic) surrogate. A gestational carrier with no genetic connection does not get it.
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. §36-1-102; In re Baby, 447 S.W.3d 807 (Tenn. 2014).
The criteria below are agency screening standards, not state law. No statute here sets a minimum age, requires a prior birth, or mandates medical or psychological evaluation. Agencies apply these criteria (largely from ASRM practice guidance) and they determine whether your application proceeds — but they are policy, and some are negotiable.
Final eligibility is determined by the agency's medical team.
Complete application in 10–15 minutes. Agency contacts you within 48 hours.
Physical exam, bloodwork, and uterine evaluation — paid for by the agency.
Review profiles and meet potential intended parents. You always have the right to say no.
Surrogacy agreement reviewed by your own attorney, funded by the agency.
Monthly compensation begins immediately after transfer. All medical costs covered.
Remaining compensation disbursed around delivery. Post-delivery allowances continue up to 6 weeks.
Gestational surrogacy is practiced in Tennessee, but there is no operative statute. The Tennessee Supreme Court treats your agreement as only one factor in a best-interests analysis rather than as a binding contract.
Typically yes. Most agencies require you to live in the state where you carry the pregnancy, as medical care and legal jurisdiction are state-specific.
Base compensation is generally taxable at the federal level. Expense reimbursements (travel, maternity clothes) are typically not taxable. Consult a tax professional for Tennessee-specific guidance.
18–24 months from application to delivery: matching (1–6 months), medical screening, legal review, and the full pregnancy term.
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