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:
- Only
Indian heterosexual married couples can opt for surrogacy.
- The
couple must have been married for at least five years.
- The
intended wife must be medically certified as infertile or unable to carry
a pregnancy.
- 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.
- 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.