Surrogacy involves another woman carrying and delivering a baby for you. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using your eggs and sperm (or donors), then transferred to the surrogate. The baby has no genetic connection to the surrogate but can be biologically yours.
Adoption means legally taking on the parenting rights and responsibilities for a child who already exists. The child has no biological connection to you, though you become their legal parent in every way.
Genetic Connection: Does Biology Matter to You?
This question matters more to some families than others, and there’s no right answer.
With surrogacy, you can have a biological child using your own eggs and sperm. You’re part of the pregnancy from conception, attending appointments, seeing ultrasounds, and watching your genetic child develop. For many intended parents, this biological link feels essential to their vision of family.
Adoption means embracing a child without genetic ties. Many adoptive parents find the biological connection becomes irrelevant once they hold their child. Love doesn’t require shared DNA. But if having a genetic legacy matters deeply to you, adoption might feel like settling.
Timeline: How Long Until You’re Holding Your Baby?
Surrogacy timeline typically spans 18-24 months from your first consultation to bringing baby home:
1. Finding and screening a surrogate: 3-6 months
2. Legal contracts and medical preparation: 2-3 months
3. IVF and embryo transfer: 1-2 months
4. Pregnancy: 9 months
5. Legal paperwork after birth: 1-2 months
Adoption timeline varies wildly depending on the type. Domestic infant adoption can take 1-3 years, while international adoption might take 2-5 years. Foster-to-adopt situations vary based on each case. The uncertainty can be harder to manage than a predictable timeline.
To know more Call 8448841271 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Financial Investment: What Will Surrogacy vs adoption Actually Cost?
Let’s talk numbers because finances matter when building your family.
Surrogacy costs in Delhi typically range from Rs. 15-25 lakhs, covering medical procedures, legal fees, and agency costs if you use one. You know the approximate cost upfront and can plan accordingly.
Adoption costs vary significantly. Domestic adoption through CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) costs around Rs. 40,000-50,000 in government fees, making it far more affordable. Private or international adoption can cost Rs. 5-15 lakhs depending on the country and circumstances.
Legal Considerations in India
India’s surrogacy laws changed significantly in recent years. The Surrogacy Regulation Act 2021 restricts who can pursue surrogacy:
1. Only legally married Indian couples can opt for surrogacy
2. They must prove medical infertility
3. Commercial surrogacy is banned; only altruistic surrogacy is permitted
4. The surrogate must be a close relative
These restrictions make surrogacy less accessible than before, pushing some families toward adoption as a more viable option.
Adoption in India is well-regulated through CARA, with clear processes protecting both children and adoptive parents. Single parents and couples can adopt, making it accessible to more family types.
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Emotional Journey of surrogacy vs adoption: What to Expect
Surrogacy creates a unique emotional experience. You’re involved throughout the pregnancy but aren’t carrying the baby yourself. Some intended mothers grieve not experiencing pregnancy, while others feel relieved. Managing the relationship with your surrogate requires emotional intelligence and clear boundaries.
Adoption brings different emotional challenges. The waiting period creates anxiety and uncertainty. Many adoptive parents also navigate complex feelings about their child’s birth family and the circumstances that led to adoption.
Both paths involve grief for the biological parenthood experience you might have imagined. Both also lead to profound joy.
Understanding Your Path to Parenthood
At the best fertility centre in India, we guide intended parents through surrogacy with medical expertise and emotional support. We help you understand if surrogacy aligns with your family goals, navigate India’s legal requirements, and connect with resources throughout your journey.
Here’s what matters most: there’s no wrong choice between surrogacy and adoption. The right path is the one that aligns with your values, circumstances, and vision for your family. Some couples know immediately which feels right. Others need time to explore both options before deciding.
Whatever path you choose, your child will be wanted, loved, and deeply yours.
To know more Call 8448841271 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surrogacy better than adoption?
Neither surrogacy nor adoption is objectively better. The right choice depends on your priorities. Surrogacy allows genetic connection and involvement from conception but costs more and has strict legal requirements in India. Adoption is more accessible and affordable but means no biological link and potentially longer waiting periods. Consider what matters most to you: genetic connection, timeline, cost, and legal eligibility under India’s surrogacy laws. Understanding your path to parenthood means weighing surrogacy vs adoption.
What is cheaper, surrogacy or adoption in India?
Adoption is significantly cheaper than surrogacy in India. Domestic adoption through CARA costs approximately Rs. 40,000-50,000 in fees, while surrogacy typically costs Rs. 15-25 lakhs covering medical procedures, surrogate compensation, and legal fees. However, cost shouldn’t be the only factor. Consider genetic connection, timeline, and eligibility requirements when choosing between surrogacy and adoption for your family.
Can single parents choose surrogacy or adoption in India?
Under current Indian surrogacy law, single parents cannot pursue surrogacy, which is restricted to legally married heterosexual Indian couples who can prove medical infertility. However, single parents can adopt through CARA. Both single men and single women are eligible to adopt in India, making adoption the only legally available path to parenthood for single individuals. At Ekmi Fertility, we help families understand their legal options and navigate the best path forward.
To know more Call 8448841271 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com