At Ekmi Fertility, we walk families through all about surrogacy including knowing the law and legal process. The big question that we’ve been hearing nonstop: what is this altruistic surrogacy rule, and why does it matter?
Here’s the thing. Most countries, India included, base their surrogacy laws on one principle: Surrogacy should be altruistic and not commercial. What this ultimately means is that parents-to-be can’t pay a surrogate outside of medical expenses and reasonable costs associated with pregnancy.
Understanding Altruistic Surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy occurs when a woman carries a baby for intended parents without being paid for her services. She can be reimbursed for:
Medical expenses and prenatal care
Insurance coverage related to pregnancy
Lost wages during medical appointments
Maternity clothing and nutrition supplements
Legal and psychological counseling fees
The surrogate does this act in altruism, often for sisters or friends that are unable to conceive.
The Indian Rule of Altruistic Surrogacy
The central Indian government’s Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 mandated altruistic surrogacy as the only legal avenue. This legislation dictates who can be a surrogate and who may access surrogacy services.
Who can be a surrogate:
May be a near relative of prospective mother
Married with at least one child (biological)
Between 25-35 years of age
Could be a surrogate only one time in her life
Who can seek surrogacy:
The Indian married couples (married for at least 5 years)
Couples facing medical infertility
Not suitable for single parents, live-in partners or foreigners
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Why we have the Altruistic Surrogacy rule
This rule protects women from exploitation. Commercial surrogacy raised concerns about vulnerable women facing coercion into surrogacy for financial gain. By restricting surrogacy to altruistic arrangements between relatives, the law aims to protect surrogates from exploitation and ensure they have adequate family support.
We have also witnessed the shift that this has made in surrogacy. Families now have to locate willing family members, which is not always possible. This has prompted many people to consider adoption or fertility treatment in its place.
Embarking on Altruistic Surrogacy with Ekmi Fertility
Our group assists with (and educates) intended parents about the options how they can solve their problems within the law. We provide:
Legal consultation on surrogacy regulations
Medical screening both for surrogates and intended parents
IVF and ET procedure completion
Psychological support throughout the journey
Medical care of pregnant women
All parties need to plan altruistic surrogacy carefully and communicate openly throughout the entire process. We make sure everyone knows their rights and responsibilities going forward.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
FAQs
What is altruistic surrogacy?
Altruistic surrogacy is when a woman gives birth to a baby for intended parents without any payment except for medical and reasonable expenses.
Is commercial surrogacy allowed in India?
No, commercial surrogacy is prohibited in India by the 2021 Surrogacy Act. Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted.
Can a friend be a surrogate for you in India?
No, under prevailing Indian surrogacy laws, the surrogate should be a near relative of intend mother.
What costs are reimbursable in noncommercial surrogacy?
Intended parents can reimburse the surrogate for hospital bills, insurance costs, lost wages, maternity clothes, and counseling fees.
How can Ekmi Fertility assist with altruistic surrogacy?
Ekmi Fertility arranges all medical, legal and psychological assistance during the process of surrogacy which is altruistic by the way.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com