Is Surrogacy Legal in India? If Yes, Which Type Is Legal and Authorized?
As per the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 which came into effect on January 15, 2021, only altruistic surrogacy is legal in India. Under this act, surrogacy is permitted only for couples who are Indian citizens and have been married for at least five years. In addition, only legally married couples are eligible for surrogacy, and single individuals, live-in relationships, and homosexual couples are not allowed to avail of surrogacy services.
Altruistic surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where a woman carries a child for another couple or individual with no financial gain. The surrogate mother must be a close relative of the intending couple, and she must volunteer for the surrogacy process.
Now, when you know the answer- Is Surrogacy Legal in India? You must also know that commercial surrogacy where a woman is paid to carry a child, is illegal in India under the new act. The act also lays down penalties for violating the provisions of the act, including imprisonment and fines.
Commercial surrogacy, which is the practice of hiring a surrogate mother to carry and give birth to a child for a fee, has been banned or restricted in some countries due to ethical, legal, and moral concerns. Some of the reasons for banning commercial surrogacy include:
The exploitation of Surrogate Mothers: Critics argue that surrogacy arrangements can exploit vulnerable women who may be swayed by the promise of large financial rewards.
Lack of Regulation: There is often a lack of regulation and oversight of the surrogacy industry, which can lead to abuse and exploitation.
Violation of Human Rights: Some countries consider commercial surrogacy to be a violation of women's human rights, as it reduces them to mere reproductive vessels.
Ethical Issues: There are also ethical concerns surrounding the commodification of human life and the exploitation of women's bodies.
Legal and Custody Issues: The legal and custody rights of the surrogate mother and the intended parents can also be unclear, leading to disputes and uncertainty.
As a result of these concerns, many countries have banned commercial surrogacy altogether or only allow altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother receives no financial compensation beyond expenses incurred as a result of the pregnancy.
In India, the eligibility criteria for becoming a surrogate mother vary between clinics, but there are some general guidelines that are followed. Some of the common eligibility criteria for surrogate mothers in India include:
Age: The surrogate mother should be between 21 and 35 years of age.
Health: The surrogate mother should be in good physical and mental health, with no history of infertility, sexually transmitted diseases, or chronic medical conditions.
Reproductive history: The surrogate mother should have given birth to at least one healthy child and have no history of complicated pregnancies or deliveries.
Lifestyle: The surrogate mother should not engage in any activities that may compromise her health or the health of the fetus, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use.
Background: The surrogate mother should come from a stable background, with a supportive family and a healthy marital relationship.
It's important to note that the eligibility criteria for surrogacy in India may vary depending on the clinic and the laws of the state where the clinic is located. It's also important to understand that surrogacy is a complex and sensitive process, and it's important to work with a reputable clinic and a knowledgeable attorney to ensure that the process is conducted in an ethical and legal manner.
Surrogacy is regulated in India by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020, which was passed by the Indian Parliament in November 2020. The law provides certain protections for surrogate mothers, including their medical and emotional well-being, and ensures that they are not exploited.
Here are some of the key provisions of the law that protect the rights of surrogate mothers in India:
Eligibility criteria: The law sets out strict eligibility criteria for surrogate mothers, including age limits and a requirement that they must be married and have a child of their own.
Medical insurance: The law requires that surrogate mothers be provided with medical insurance for the duration of the pregnancy.
Fair compensation: The law sets out a minimum amount of compensation that surrogate mothers are entitled to receive and also specifies that they cannot be paid more than what has been agreed upon in the surrogacy contract.
Emotional support: The law requires that surrogate mothers receive emotional support during the surrogacy process, including counseling services.
Confidentiality: The law requires that the identity of the surrogate mother be kept confidential and protected from disclosure.
Overall, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020, provides a framework for the regulation of surrogacy in India and aims to protect the rights and well-being of surrogate mothers. However, its implementation and enforcement may vary from state to state.
Yes, surrogacy is legal in India. However, there are certain regulations and guidelines that must be followed in order for surrogacy to be considered legal in India.
According to Indian law, surrogacy is only allowed for married couples who have been legally married for at least two years. The intended parents must also provide proof of infertility before being allowed to proceed with surrogacy. In addition, commercial surrogacy is only allowed in India for Indian citizens. Foreign nationals are not permitted to engage in commercial surrogacy in India.
It is also important to note that only altruistic surrogacy is permitted in India, which means that the surrogate mother must not receive any financial compensation beyond medical expenses and other necessary expenses related to the surrogacy.
It is recommended that individuals who are considering surrogacy in India seek the advice of a legal professional at Vinsfertility who is familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding surrogacy in India. This will help ensure that the surrogacy process is carried out in a legal and ethical manner.