Gestational Carriers in Tennessee: What Aspiring Parents Should Know
As fertility journeys become more personalized, gestational surrogacy offers a powerful path to parenthood for individuals and couples facing medical, genetic, or logistical barriers to pregnancy. At Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI), we’re proud to support patients through every step of this process—from medical coordination to emotional guidance.
What Is a Gestational Carrier?
A gestational carrier (GC) is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, known as the intended parent(s). Unlike traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg and is genetically related to the child, a gestational carrier has no biological connection to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
This distinction is critical. Gestational surrogacy offers legal clarity and emotional simplicity for all parties involved, as the GC does not retain parental rights.
When Might Intended Parents Consider a Gestational Carrier?
Gestational carriers may be considered in a variety of scenarios, including:
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Medical contraindications: Conditions such as uterine abnormalities, history of miscarriage, or cancer treatment may make pregnancy unsafe.
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Same-sex male couples or single men seeking biological parenthood.
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Repeated IVF failures: For patients who have experienced multiple unsuccessful embryo transfers.
At TFI, our physicians and care coordinators work closely with patients to assess whether gestational surrogacy is the right path based on their medical history, reproductive goals, and emotional readiness.
Gestational Surrogacy in Tennessee: Legal and Practical Considerations
Surrogacy in Tennessee exists in a legal gray area. While it is permitted, there is no comprehensive statutory framework governing the process. Instead, surrogacy arrangements rely on case law and judicial discretion, making legal counsel essential.
Key Legal Points:
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Tennessee Code § 36-1-102(52) defines surrogate birth but does not regulate it. The law outlines two scenarios: one involving IVF with the intended parents’ gametes, and another involving insemination under contract.
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Birth certificate rules: Unless both intended parents are genetically related to the child, the GC will be listed as the mother on the birth certificate. The non-biological parent must pursue second-parent adoption post-birth to be legally recognized.
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Pre-birth orders: Courts may grant these when at least one intended parent is genetically related to the child. These orders help establish legal parentage before delivery.
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LGBTQ+ considerations: Same-sex couples may face additional legal steps, especially if only one partner is genetically related to the child.
Emotional and Logistical Factors:
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Surrogacy involves a year-long partnership with an agency, legal team, and fertility clinic.
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Intended parents should feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the process.
TFI’s Role in Supporting Gestational Surrogacy
TFI provides comprehensive medical support for patients pursuing gestational surrogacy, including:
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Cycle coordination: Follicular monitoring, embryo transfers, and medication protocols tailored to both the intended parent and GC.
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Embryology services: Fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching, and cryopreservation.
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Transfer procedures: Ultrasound-guided embryo transfers and post-transfer monitoring.
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Endocrinology and lab support: Hormone tracking, pregnancy testing, and injection teaching.
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Consultation and follow-up: Post-IVF reviews and coordination with surrogacy agencies.
Our team also assists with genetic carrier screening, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and donor matching when applicable.
Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency
At TFI, we understand that selecting a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions intended parents will make on their journey to parenthood. That’s why we not only encourage patients to work with agencies that meet high standards—we actively help guide them toward trusted partners.
We recommend choosing agencies that:
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Have a strong reputation and established relationships with fertility clinics, ensuring seamless coordination and shared standards of care.
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Offer full-service support, including legal guidance, psychological counseling, and logistical coordination to reduce stress and streamline the process.
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Conduct thorough screening of both surrogates and intended parents, prioritizing safety, compatibility, and ethical practices.
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Provide transparent pricing and clearly outline responsibilities for all parties, so there are no surprises and everyone feels informed and empowered.
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Make patients feel comfortable, respected, and valued throughout the journey, fostering trust and emotional support at every step.
In addition to these recommendations, TFI offers personalized guidance to intended parents at our clinic, connecting them with vetted surrogacy agencies and legal experts who share our commitment to compassionate, ethical care. We’re here to support you—not just medically, but holistically—through every phase of the surrogacy process.
For more detailed advice on selecting the right agency, we invite you to read our dedicated blog post on the subject.
Final Thoughts
Gestational surrogacy is a deeply personal and transformative journey. At TFI, we’re honored to walk alongside our patients, offering expert medical care and compassionate guidance. Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or preparing to match with a GC, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
If you're ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, we invite you to connect with our team. Schedule a consultation, ask questions, or explore resources—we’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence and care.