Surrogacy in India has long been a hopeful path to
parenthood for many international couples. However, with the enactment of the Surrogacy
(Regulation) Act, 2021 and its subsequent amendments, the landscape has
significantly changed. In 2025, surrogacy in India is legal only under strict
conditions, particularly following the model of altruistic surrogacy.
This article explores the current legal status for foreigners, the concept of
altruistic surrogacy in India, and what intended parents need to know moving
forward.
The Current Legal Status: Can Foreigners Opt for Surrogacy in India in 2025?
As of 2025, surrogacy in India is not permitted for
foreigners, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Persons of
Indian Origin (PIOs). The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 allows only
Indian married couples, Indian single women (widow or divorcee), and Indian
intending couples who meet specific medical conditions to pursue surrogacy.
The ban on commercial surrogacy and restrictions on
foreign involvement were primarily implemented to prevent exploitation, ensure
ethical practices, and regulate the booming surrogacy industry.
What is Altruistic Surrogacy in India?
Under the new law, only altruistic
surrogacy is allowed. This means:
- No
monetary compensation is given to the surrogate mother apart from medical
expenses and insurance.
- The
surrogate must be a close relative of the intending couple.
- Commercial
surrogacy — which includes any form of payment or reward to the surrogate
beyond essential medical support — is strictly prohibited.
This legal framework aims to protect the rights of both the
surrogate mother and the intended parents, while preventing the exploitation of
economically vulnerable women.
Why India Banned Surrogacy for Foreigners
India was once a global hub for affordable and accessible
surrogacy services. However, concerns over unethical practices, lack of
regulation, and the rise of commercial surrogacy led to several legal reforms.
The government introduced the altruistic surrogacy model to:
- Regulate
the surrogacy process.
- Safeguard
the surrogate mother’s health and dignity.
- Ensure
that surrogacy is pursued out of compassion, not for profit.
Thus, while these reforms support ethical practices, they
have made it impossible for foreign nationals to participate in Indian
surrogacy programs in 2025.
Surrogacy Cost in India (For Eligible Indian Couples)
Although surrogacy is now altruistic, there are still medical
and procedural costs involved. The surrogacy
cost in India includes:
- Fertility
treatments like IVF
- Hormonal
injections
- Medical
tests
- Legal
documentation
- Hospitalization
and delivery
At trusted institutions like Surrogacy Centre India,
the overall surrogacy cost in India for eligible Indian couples remains
significantly lower than in countries where commercial surrogacy is permitted. Surrogacy
Centre India ensures compassionate, ethical, and expert care throughout the
surrogacy journey.
Surrogacy Centre India: A Trusted Name in Altruistic
Surrogacy in India
SCI Hospital in Delhi is a reputed fertility centre that has
helped thousands of couple’s experience parenthood. Led by Dr. Shivani
Sachdev Gour, the hospital strictly adheres to the guidelines laid out by
the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
For eligible Indian couples, Surrogacy Centre India offers:
- Ethical
and transparent surrogacy services
- Comprehensive
infertility evaluations
- Personalized
fertility treatment plans
- Emotional
and legal support throughout the process
Although foreigners can no longer access surrogacy in
India, Indian couples can rely on SCI IVF for safe and ethical fertility
care.
Conclusion
In 2025, surrogacy in India is not legal for foreigners,
including NRIs and OCIs. The current law permits only altruistic surrogacy in India,
restricting the process to Indian citizens under specific medical and legal
conditions. For those who are eligible, institutions like Surrogacy Centre
India continue to offer ethical, expert-guided fertility and surrogacy
support.
If you are a foreign couple exploring surrogacy, it is important to consult legal experts and consider alternative countries where surrogacy is permitted under international law.
