Gestational Surrogacy

A Gestational surrogate is a woman who lends her womb to carry and give birth to the baby of the intended/genetic parents. The eggs could be from the intended mother (genetic mother) or an egg donor. The surrogate mother is not the generic mother of the baby.

• Is Gestational Surrogacy legal in India?

In India, there are currently no laws on Surrogacy. According to the guidelines issued by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), which all ART clinics here are expected to follow. Gestational Surrogacy is permitted only for genuine indications where the intended mother is physically incapable of carrying a child. The Birth Certificate of the baby /ies is issued in the name of the genetic parents/intended parents only. There are specific Visa requirements for all foreign Nationals seeking surrogacy in India. All Foreign Nationals have to apply for a Medical Visa for surrogacy when they come to India for their treatment

• Would Gestational Surrogacy be advisable for me?

Gestational Surrogacy is an appropriate treatment option for you if you cannot carry a pregnancy yourself. Women who do not have a functional uterus since birth or have had to undergo a Hysterectomy or have significant uterine abnormalities like Uterine Scarring are natural conditions for Gestational Surrogacy. Women with severe medical conditions like poorly controlled Hypertension, Heart Diseases or Diabetes can also opt for Surrogacy. Couples struggling with multiple IVF Failures or Recurrent Pregnancy Losses can avail of the option of Gestational Surrogacy.  Gestational Surrogacy allows women who otherwise cannot carry a baby to have a genetic child of their own.   Gestational Surrogacy, however, cannot be offered for purely cosmetic reasons.

• What type of medical tests does a Gestational Surrogate need to have?

The prospective surrogate is evaluated by a complete history and physical examination performed to ensure that there are no reasons for her to avoid pregnancy. She undergoes routine fertility tests and tests for infectious dieses like HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis. A  Diagnostic Hysteroscopy, medical fitness and psychological testing as well as counseling is carried out.

• As Intended Parents, do we need any testing?

As Intended Parents, you and your husband should have a complete history and physical examination to make sure that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedures involved with IVF. The screening process is done by questionnaires, physical examination and blood tests before being accepted into the Surrogacy Program.

• What does the Gestational Surrogacy process involve?

Once the surrogate has been selected and surrogacy screening completed, yours or your egg donor’s menstrual cycle will be synchronized with your gestational surrogate’s cycle. You/your egg donor will undergo the treatment for a routine IVF cycle while your surrogate’s uterus is prepared to receive the embryo transfer

• Are Gestational Surrogates compensated?

A Gestational Surrogate is compensated financially for the time and effort involved in fulfilling this role. The recruitment, screening, legal agreement and compensation are handled by a third party agency (ART Bank)