Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Surrogacy for Foreigners in India: Understanding the New Altruistic Surrogacy Law

Surrogacy has given countless couples across the world the gift of parenthood. India was once among the most preferred destinations for international surrogacy because of its advanced medical care and affordable treatment options. However, with the introduction of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the legal framework for surrogacy in India has changed completely. Today, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, and foreign nationals are not eligible to pursue surrogacy within India. At Surrogacy Centre India, we guide couples through these updated laws and offer alternative fertility solutions with transparency and compassion.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate mother) carries and delivers a baby for intended parents without any monetary compensation. The surrogate is only reimbursed for medical expenses and provided insurance coverage during pregnancy. This form of surrogacy is based on compassion and family support, rather than commercial gain.

The new surrogacy law in India bans commercial surrogacy, which previously allowed payment to surrogates beyond medical costs. This ensures that surrogacy remains ethical, transparent, and focused on genuine medical needs.

Who Can Opt for Altruistic Surrogacy in India?

According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the following criteria must be met for a surrogacy arrangement in India:

  1. Only Indian heterosexual married couples can opt for surrogacy.
  2. The couple must have been married for at least five years.
  3. The intended wife must be medically certified as infertile or unable to carry a pregnancy.
  4. The surrogate mother must be a close relative of the intended couple, a married woman aged 25–35 years, and should have at least one biological child.
  5. The surrogate can only act as a surrogate once in her lifetime.

These conditions are designed to prevent exploitation and maintain ethical standards in surrogacy practices.

Can Foreigners Opt for Surrogacy in India?

No. The new surrogacy law prohibits foreigners, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs from undergoing surrogacy in India. The process is strictly limited to Indian citizens meeting the legal and medical requirements. This restriction ensures legal clarity and the protection of surrogate mothers’ rights within India.

However, foreign couples can still benefit from India’s expertise in reproductive medicine. Surrogacy Centre India provides fertility consultations, IVF treatments, and medical evaluations that help intended parents explore legal surrogacy options in countries where it is permitted.

How Surrogacy Centre India Supports Intended Parents

At Surrogacy Centre India, we prioritize ethics, safety, and patient trust. While surrogacy for foreigners in India is restricted, our team helps couples with:

  • Fertility assessments and IVF procedures
  • Legal guidance on Indian surrogacy regulations
  • Counseling and emotional support
  • Connections to international surrogacy programs (in legally permitted countries)

Our mission is to help every couple find the right path to parenthood — within the boundaries of law and with utmost compassion.

Conclusion

Under India’s new altruistic surrogacy law, only Indian married couples are eligible for surrogacy, ensuring that the process remains ethical and regulated. While foreigners can no longer pursue surrogacy in India, they can still access world-class fertility treatments and expert advice at Surrogacy Centre India. With our experienced team and patient-centered approach, we continue to guide intended parents with care, integrity, and hope on their journey to parenthood.

Surrogacy for Foreigners in India: Understanding the New Altruistic Surrogacy Law

Surrogacy has given countless couples across the world the gift of parenthood. India was once among the most preferred destinations for inte...