Having children is a deeply personal decision – one of the most personal decisions you’ll make in your life. But for couples with OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status who have spent years struggling with infertility, the process of getting through IVF and surrogacy can seem as much marathon as miracle. At Ekmi Fertility we have sat in front of hundreds, if not thousands of couples getting to know their story and what drew them into experiencing infertility themselves. And what we know for sure is this: with the correct guidance the journey is so much more manageable than it may seem from outside.
Are OCI Couples Even Eligible for Surrogacy in India?
Here’s where it gets nuanced. As per present surrogacy laws in India, altruistic surrogacy is allowed through the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 – so the surrogate mother cannot be paid, except for her medical treatment and insurance. For OCI couples, specific institutional standards dictate if at least one partner has Indian origin status and documented medical need.
Before anything else, you’ll need:
- A certificate of infertility from a registered fertility specialist
- Proof of OCI status, marriage documentation
- Medical fitness records for each partner
- An authorization from the National Assisted Reproductive Technology Board
It’s a process, yes. But it’s navigable – particularly with a team that has been through this before.
Why Choosing the Right Clinic Is More Important Than You Think
Not every clinic that claims to the best surrogacy clinic has a robust enough infrastructure, legal backup or emotional support system to provide for complex OCI cases. What to look for:
- An experienced surrogacy doctor for cross-border cases
- Housekeeping / documentation support
- No surprises with upfront, transparent breakdown of surrogacy cost
- Clear surrogacy packages that provide you medical, legal, and psychological support
- Guaranteed surrogacy program for couples after repeated failures
Ekmi Fertility provides straightforward pricing with no fine print. Affordable surrogacy doesn’t mean you cut corners – it means you build a process that is efficient and ethical and human.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in India?
The cost of surrogacy in India depends on the medical protocol required, number of IVF cycles and package chosen. Generally, the wide price range captured between Rs.15-25 lakhs for full IVF and surrogacy plans including donor spend (if needed).
What Ekmi’s packages typically cover:
- Pre-termination egg freezing (full IVF stimulation and embryo retrieval)
- Embryo creation and transfer
- Prenatal care and delivery of the surrogacy mother
- Signing legal agreements, birth certificate support
- Psychological counseling for all parties
The Honest Part That No One Will Tell You
That process can be emotionally draining – particularly if you’ve previously endured unsuccessful cycles in another country. We see you. The paperwork fatigue, the hope that comes and goes before every transfer, and the not knowing what it’s like to live far away from family while you’re trying to get through something like this. And that is exactly why our team of fertility specialists are trained not only in medicine, but to ensure you feel like a person, and never case file.
FAQs
Q: Are OCI couples allowed to use donor eggs with surrogacy in India?
Yes, an OCI couple can use donor eggs in their IVF and SoG protocol provided; she has proper documentation and is a registered donor.
Q: How many IVF cycles are included in a surrogacy package?
1-2 cycles of IVF are included in most packages. With a guaranteed surrogacy program, you’ll typically have extra attempts included in the package if your first transfer is unsuccessful.
Q: What is the time frame for the surrogacy process in India?
Legal approvals, matching with a surrogacy mother, IVF cycles and delivery can take anywhere from 14–20 months.
Q: Is Indian surrogacy legal and acceptable outside India for OCI couples?
This will depend on which country you reside in. We highly suggest seeking rather Indian surrogacy lawyer as well as the legal advisor of your house country prior to start.