There is a special type of nostalgic feeling one experiences being an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder and pursuing fertility. India is home – family here, roots here – but as an Overseas Citizen of India, there are questions that you may find yourself asking regarding the medical and legal environment of IVF and surrogacy in ways that no while-walking adult warned you about. At Ekmi Fertility, we talk to families doing OCI all the time and the most common thing we hear is not “what are my medical options” but rather “where do I start?” Let’s start there.
Can IVF In India Be Accessed By OCI Card-Holders?
Yes – and with just much fewer complications than most expect. OCIs do not have serious legal restrictions when it comes to IVF treatment. Well, you get a similar treatment as the NRI patients eligible for treatment using donor eggs or sperm wherever needed and entitled to make use of all that India’s cutting edge reproductive technologies have to offer.
What makes India worth considering:
- Cost – Indian IVF is as good as best in class hospitals in America, UK or Australia, but cost you a fraction of that.
- Technology – Top fertility clinics here use the same protocols and lab equipment as leading global centres.
- Family proximity – Some OCI patients may prefer to be around family while going through such an emotional process.
- Fertility specialist access – Here a fertility specialist is likely more available, with shorter wait times.
Surrogacy For OCI Cardholders
Honestly, this is a separate discussion on surrogacy for OCI cardholders in India. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited by legislation in India, while – according to current law—there are restricted criteria for who can be a surrogate under current altruistic surrogacy laws. As of the latest regulations:
- Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and its impact on OCI cardholders
- To avail the altruistic surrogacy framework, intended parents mainly need to be citizens of India.
- Since the law is constantly changing, it is unreasonable to expect to find out whether you are eligible without checking in with a surrogacy doctor before making any plans at all.
We don’t mean to scare you – we mean – well protect and educate you against the misinformation that is so abundantly spread online. We at Ekmi Fertility believe that it is better to tell you the truth, however complicated it may be because they deserve clarity over false hope.
What does Ekmi Fertility offer you?
Whether you are working towards IVF directly or trying to figure out your surrogacy options, our team will review all factors of your situation – your OCI status, medical history and family goals – and design a legal open ethical and truly-customised path moving forward.
We offer:
- Surrogacy cost transparency and complete surrogacy packages
- Referral to a guaranteed surrogacy program for eligible patients
- Compassionate surrogacy moms under medical care and lawful backing
- Full-service surrogacy laws that apply to your situation
And with surrogacy and IVF cost – free, honest information should not be a luxury.
For a Free Consultation, call us at +91 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com.
FAQs
Q. In India, are OCI cardholders allowed to perform IVF with donor eggs?
Yes. Apart from this OCI card holders can avail donor eggs IVF as well. Your fertility specialist can assist you with the matching and legal paperwork.
Q. Is the IVF cost for OCI patients higher than that of an Indian citizen?
Pricing at the best surrogacy clinics in India is generally standardised. We know that at Ekmi Fertility, you are charged irrespective of whether or not you come from within the city.
Q. Can an OCI cardholder be a surrogacy mother in India?
Surrogacy mothers will have to be Indian citizens under present surrogacy law. Existing regulations generally disqualify an OCI cardholder from being considered a surrogate.
Q. If you are an OCI cardholder and want to start fertility treatment, what documents do you require to use?
Your OCI card, valid passport and medical records with previous fertility reports. Your surrogacy doctor and IVF team will instruct you on any additional paperwork that relates to your treatment pathway.
For a Free Consultation, call us at +91 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com.