Understanding Surrogacy: An Overview of the Process and Regulations in India

 Surrogacy is a reproductive process in which a woman (the surrogate) carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple (the intended parents). In India, surrogacy is regulated by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2021, which allows only altruistic surrogacy, meaning that the surrogate mother cannot be paid a fee for her services.

To participate in surrogacy, intended parents and surrogate mothers must undergo detailed counseling and medical screening. They must also sign legal papers outlining the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement. The surrogate mother may need to undergo fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in order to become pregnant with the embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents.

Surrogate mothers may be asked to stay in the hospital during the pregnancy and delivery, although this is optional and the decision is typically left to the intended parents and the surrogate. The cost of surrogacy can vary significantly and may include expenses such as screening and selection fees, medical treatments, accommodation, pregnancy confirmation payments, and compensation to the surrogate mother. Any unexpected medical costs that may arise during the pregnancy are the responsibility of the intended parents.

After the birth of the child, the surrogate mother's role is complete and the child is handed over to the intended parents. The birth of the child is registered under the name of the intended parents, and the surrogate mother is typically given a final payment as compensation for her services.

It is important to note that surrogacy laws and regulations can vary significantly by country and even by state or province. It is important to carefully research and understand the laws and regulations governing surrogacy in your jurisdiction before entering into a surrogacy arrangement. It is also important to work with a reputable fertility clinic or surrogacy agency to ensure that all necessary legal and medical procedures are followed."

Keywords: surrogacy, reproductive process, surrogate mother, intended parents, counseling, medical screening, fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo, hospital stay, surrogacy costs, surrogacy laws, India.