What Is Surrogacy and Reasons to Consider It

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.