Surrogacy and the Legal Process for Intended Parents and Surrogates in India

Surrogacy offers a life-changing opportunity for couples struggling with infertility to start a family. In India, the legal landscape around surrogacy has significantly evolved, especially with the enactment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The new law allows only altruistic surrogacy, reshaping the journey for both intended parents and surrogate mothers. 

Understanding Altruistic Surrogacy in India 

Altruistic surrogacy is a legal and ethical arrangement where a surrogate carries a child for the intended parents without any monetary compensation beyond medical expenses and insurance. This form of surrogacy is aimed at preventing the commercialization of the practice, ensuring the dignity and safety of all parties involved. 

Who Can Opt for Altruistic Surrogacy? 

As per the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only certain individuals can avail of surrogacy in India: 

• Indian married couples (at least five years of marriage)
• The female partner must be aged between 23 to 50 years, and the male partner between 26 to 55 years
• The couple must be medically certified as infertile
• They should not have any biological or adopted child (with some exceptions)

 Note: Single individuals, same-sex couples, and foreigners are not permitted to undertake surrogacy in India under this law.

Legal Process for Intended Parents 

The legal journey for intended parents includes the following steps: 

1. Eligibility Certification: Obtain an infertility certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
2. Application to Appropriate Authority: Submit a surrogacy application along with required documents (ID proof, marriage certificate, infertility certificate).
3. Ethics Committee Approval: Get approval from the hospital’s ethics committee.
4. Surrogacy Agreement: Sign a legal agreement with the surrogate outlining responsibilities, rights, and duties.
5. Medical and Insurance Coverage: Ensure the surrogate receives comprehensive health insurance for at least 36 months.
6. Birth Certificate Issuance: After birth, the intended parents are named on the birth certificate without the surrogate’s name.

Responsibilities of the Surrogate 

The surrogate must: 

• Be a close relative of the intended couple
• Be a married woman aged 25–35 years with at least one biological child
• Not have been a surrogate more than once
• Undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluation

Surrogacy Cost in Delhi, India Although commercial surrogacy is banned, the surrogacy cost in Delhi or anywhere in India under the altruistic model includes: 

• Medical treatments and IVF procedures
• Legal documentation and court approvals
• Surrogate mother’s medical expenses and insurance
• Hospitalization and delivery charges

 The surrogacy cost in India typically ranges between ₹4 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs, depending on the IVF centre, city, and complexity of the case. For instance, at trusted centres like Surrogacy Centre India, known as a leading surrogacy treatment centre in Delhi, the costs are transparent and regulated as per legal norms. 

Why Choose Surrogacy Centre India for Surrogacy in Delhi? 

Surrogacy Centre India is a renowned name in fertility and surrogacy treatments in Delhi. With a team of experienced specialists led by Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour, the clinic ensures: 

• Ethical and legally compliant surrogacy procedures
• Personalized care and counseling
• State-of-the-art IVF facilities
• Clear cost breakdown and transparency

Conclusion 

Altruistic surrogacy in India is now a tightly regulated yet compassionate option for couples dreaming of parenthood. Understanding the legal framework and working with a reputable surrogacy treatment centre in Delhi like Surrogacy Centre India ensures a safe, respectful, and emotionally supportive journey for both the intended parents and the surrogate. 

If you're considering surrogacy, speak to our experts at Surrogacy Centre India to understand your eligibility, process, and options. Your dream of becoming a parent is closer than you think.