Having a baby abroad is already an emotional roller coaster. Toss in the complexity of Indian surrogacy laws, and it can feel like playing a guessing game with half the pieces missing. Every week at Ekmi Fertility we speak to OCI card holders and NRIs who are confused, anxious and just want a straight answer. So here it is. This guide is for you whether you’re trying to work through the ins and outs of IVF and surrogacy, or even just trying to find out if you might be qualified.
Indian Surrogacy Laws – Who all are Eligible?
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 constituted an epochal change in India. The current state of the law permits:
- Altruistic surrogacy is available to married Indian couples (married 5years+)
- Indian passport holders who are NRIs (Non-Resident Indian) might be qualified, but further documentation may be required
- OCI cardholders are scrutinized more closely – the law is applied as if they are foreign nationals and not Indian citizens where surrogacy laws are concerned
- Same-sex couples and single people are legally prohibited right now
- Commercial surrogacy is not allowed and comes only from a close relative who has been pre-registered.
What this practically means is that if you are a holder of an OCI card, to have surrogacy in India, the law will most probably not be one that favors you. However, before any process commences your fertility specialist will need to review the appropriate documentation.
Major Difference Between OCI and NRI
NRIs hold Indian passports. An OCI cardholder, on the other hand, does neither – for they possess only a foreign passport and a lifetime visa. This differentiation is hugely significant in the context of the Indian surrogacy laws. The path for NRIs is slightly more clear-cut, however, they also must fulfil the residency and marriage requirements. In reality, OCI cardholders could often be chanelled towards IVF this side or a legal advice before even thinking of surrogacy in India.
Where IVF Fits In
So, the thing is a lot of couples that contact us for surrogacy actually qualify for IVF first. Always IVF first before surrogacy if the intended mother can carry a pregnancy. At Ekmi Fertility, our gestational carrier specialist will undergo a thorough medical assessment before suggesting the path.
The same is going to be done in the case of IVF which does not have the legal restrictions that surrogacy has, thus making IVF available for OCI as well as NRI patients. It’s also significantly more affordable.
Understanding the Cost
How much does surrogacy cost in India? At Ekmi Fertility, we believe affordable surrogacy shouldn’t mean cutting corners. All of our surrogacy packages below are ethical, transparent and include; medical, legal and coordination support.
- IVF cycles: with fewer makes an attempt and, therefore less costly
- Cost of surrogacy: higher as it requires medical, legal and surrogate support
- We provide guaranteed surrogacy program to eligible couples
Ekmi fertility stands amongst the best surrogacy clinics in India because we don’t merely treat patients – we walk with them.
FAQs
Q: Do you need updates about IVF in India for OCI card holders?
Yes. IVF has no citizenship-based restrictions. India allows free access to IVF facilities in the case of both OCI and NRI patients.
Q: What are the docs you need for surrogacy in India as an NRI?
Usually, you need to have a valid Indian passport, marriage certificate for 5 years +, an infertility or medical proof (medical reports), etc. Your surrogacy doctor will walk you through all of it!
Q: How much does surrogacy cost in India?
Costs are dependent on the nature of your case. Ekmi Fertility has transparent and itemized surrogacy packages. There are no hidden charges.
Q: Is a guaranteed surrogacy program available for NRIs?
Yes, the guaranteed surrogacy program of Ekmi Fertility is available for NRI Couples. Review by our medical and legal team confirms eligibility.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com