Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and delivers a
child for another person or couple who are unable to conceive naturally. This
compassionate option has been a ray of hope for many people struggling with
infertility or other health challenges. As advancements in reproductive
technology evolve, surrogacy has become an increasingly popular choice
for individuals and couples hoping to build their families.
Understanding Surrogacy: The Basics
In a surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate mother agrees to
carry the pregnancy and give birth on behalf of the intended parents. Surrogacy
can be either gestational (where the surrogate is not genetically
related to the child) or traditional (where the surrogate’s egg is used
in the fertilization process). In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is
typically created using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm.
Reasons to Consider Surrogacy
- Infertility
Issues: Couples or individuals who face infertility, whether due to
medical conditions like PCOS, low sperm count, or advanced maternal age,
often consider surrogacy as an option when other fertility treatments such
as IVF fail.
- Health
Concerns: Some women may face medical conditions that make pregnancy
risky or impossible, such as heart problems, diabetes, or a history of
multiple miscarriages. For these individuals, surrogacy offers a chance to
have a child without putting their own health at risk.
- Same-Sex
Couples and Single Parents: Surrogacy also offers hope to same-sex
couples or single individuals who wish to become parents but are unable to
conceive naturally. It enables them to experience biological parenthood
with the help of a surrogate.
- Reproductive
Challenges: Women who have had their uterus removed due to medical
reasons or women with uterine malformations may choose surrogacy as an
alternative to traditional pregnancy.
The Legal Framework of Surrogacy in India: Altruistic
Surrogacy
In India, surrogacy laws have evolved to ensure
ethical practices, protect the rights of both the surrogate mother and the
intended parents, and regulate the growing surrogacy industry. The Surrogacy
(Regulation) Bill, 2020, has redefined surrogacy practices, emphasizing altruistic
surrogacy.
Under the new law, only altruistic
surrogacy is permitted, meaning that surrogates can no longer be
compensated for their services beyond medical expenses and insurance. This move
aims to eliminate the commercial exploitation of women in surrogacy
arrangements. Surrogates must be women aged between 25 to 35 and should be
married with at least one child of their own, ensuring that the surrogate has
prior experience with motherhood.
The law also states that surrogacy can only be carried out
for Indian couples and not for foreigners. This restriction aims to
prevent surrogacy tourism and ensure that the practice remains ethical and
socially responsible.
Why Choose Surrogacy in India?
India is home to some of the world’s best surrogacy
centres, offering advanced medical technology, experienced fertility
specialists, and ethical surrogacy practices. The country has emerged as a
global destination for surrogacy, and many intended parents from around the
world have chosen India due to the affordability and expertise available.
When you choose a surrogacy centre in India, it’s
essential to ensure that the clinic operates under the latest surrogacy
regulations and provides transparent, ethical, and compassionate services. For
those looking for the best
surrogacy centre in India, it is important to consider factors like the
clinic’s experience, success rate, legal support, and the emotional well-being
of the surrogate mothers.
Conclusion
Surrogacy, especially altruistic surrogacy in India,
provides an opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to experience
parenthood. With the introduction of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, India is
ensuring that surrogacy arrangements are both ethical and safe for all parties
involved. If you are considering surrogacy, it’s important to seek out a
reputable surrogacy centre that adheres to the new laws and provides the best
care for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
The journey to parenthood may not be the same for everyone, but with surrogacy, it can be a beautiful and fulfilling path to creating the family you have always dreamed of.