Surrogate Mothers: What It Is and How Does Surrogacy Work

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey for couples struggling with infertility, offering them a chance to experience parenthood. In India, the process of surrogacy is strictly governed by legal frameworks to protect the rights of all parties involved. With the recent updates in Indian surrogacy law, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, ensuring the practice remains ethical and family-focused. 

In this blog, we will explore what a surrogate mother is, how surrogacy works in India, who can opt for it, and what the legal guidelines say. If you're considering this path, choosing the surrogacy centre in Delhi, such as Surrogacy Centre India, can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and legally compliant experience. 

What Is a Surrogate Mother? 

A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. She undergoes pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART), typically involving In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). There are two main types of surrogacies globally: 

• Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries an embryo created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. She has no genetic link to the child.
• Traditional Surrogacy (Not allowed in India): The surrogate uses her own egg and is genetically related to the child.

 What Is Altruistic Surrogacy in India?

India now allows only altruistic surrogacy under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. This means: 

• The surrogate mother is not paid for her services, except for medical expenses and insurance coverage.
• Commercial surrogacy, where women are paid beyond medical reimbursement, is strictly prohibited.
• The surrogate must be a close relative of the intending couple and must have borne a child before.

 This law ensures the process is done with compassion and family support, rather than for profit. 

Who Can Opt for Surrogacy in India? 

According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, the following criteria must be met: 

• Only Indian citizens are eligible for surrogacy.
• The couple must be legally married for at least 5 years.
• The female partner must be aged 23–50 years and the male partner 26–55 years.
• The couple must be medically proven infertile and have no surviving biological or adopted child.
• Single individuals, foreign nationals, live-in partners, and LGBTQ+ couples are currently not permitted to opt for surrogacy in India.

 Who Can Be a Surrogate Mother? As per Indian law: 

• The surrogate must be a close relative of the intending couple.
• She must be married, aged 25 to 35 years, and have at least one biological child of her own.
• A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime.
• She must undergo thorough medical and psychological screening before proceeding.
• She must willingly give informed consent without any coercion.

 How Does the Surrogacy Process Work? 

1. Medical Evaluation: Both the intended parents and the surrogate undergo health screenings.
2. Legal Clearance: All parties must sign a legal agreement outlining rights and responsibilities.
3. Embryo Transfer: IVF is performed, and the embryo is transferred to the surrogate.
4. Pregnancy Monitoring: The surrogate's health and the baby’s development are regularly monitored.
5. Delivery and Handover: After birth, the child is handed over to the intended parents. The surrogate relinquishes any legal rights to the child.

 Why Choose Surrogacy Centre India? If you're looking for a trusted and legally compliant surrogacy solution, Surrogacy Centre India is the best surrogacy centre in Delhi. The centre is known for: 

• A highly experienced team led by leading fertility specialists.
• Compassionate support throughout the surrogacy journey.
• Full adherence to Indian surrogacy laws and ethical guidelines.
• Personalized treatment plans and advanced IVF techniques.

Conclusion 

Surrogacy is not just a medical process—it’s a deeply emotional journey that requires trust, transparency, and care. With altruistic surrogacy now being the only legal route in India, it ensures the focus remains on helping intended parents build families with dignity and support. For expert guidance and ethical surrogacy services, Surrogacy Centre India stands as a beacon of hope for many aspiring parents. Talk to our experts today to understand if surrogacy is the right choice for you.