Embarking on the journey to parenthood is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. For some individuals and couples in Delhi, surrogacy emerges as a beacon of hope when other paths to having a family face challenges. This guide is designed to provide you with comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about surrogacy in Delhi, covering the essential aspects of costs, legal regulations, the step-by-step process, and how to find the right support. Our aim is to simplify the complexities surrounding surrogacy, offering clarity and reassurance as you explore your options for building your family. As you consider this significant step, understanding the nuances of surrogacy in Delhi is paramount, and this guide serves as your starting point to navigate this journey with confidence.

Understanding Surrogacy: Making Dreams of Parenthood a Reality

Surrogacy is a remarkable way for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term to realize their dream of having a child. In its simplest form, surrogacy involves a woman carrying and delivering a baby for someone else, known as the intended parent(s). While there are different types of surrogacy, in the context of Delhi and India, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between traditional and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate mother using her own egg, making her the biological mother of the child. However, gestational surrogacy, which is the prevalent and legally accepted form in India, is different. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo that was created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. This means that the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child she carries.

Under the current legal framework in India, specifically the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. This implies that the surrogate mother can only be compensated for her medical expenses and insurance coverage during the pregnancy, and no other financial incentives or compensation are legally allowed for her services. This shift towards altruistic surrogacy underscores the ethical considerations surrounding the practice in India.

Who Can Consider Surrogacy in Delhi? Navigating the Legal Framework

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, lays down specific eligibility criteria for both intended parents and surrogate mothers in Delhi. Understanding these criteria is essential to determine if surrogacy is a viable option for you.

Eligibility Criteria for Intended Parents:

  • Citizenship: The intended parents must be Indian citizens.
  • Marital Status: Only legally married heterosexual couples are eligible to opt for surrogacy.
  • Duration of Marriage: The couple must have been married for a minimum of five years.
  • Age: The age of the intending couple should be between 23 to 50 years for the female partner and 26 to 55 years for the male partner on the day of certification.
  • Infertility Certificate: A medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that the couple suffers from proven infertility is mandatory.
  • Number of Children: The couple should not have any surviving child, whether biological, adopted, or through surrogacy earlier. However, an exception is made if the surviving child suffers from a mental or physical disability or has a life-threatening illness.
  • Single Women: The Act also permits single Indian women who are widows or divorcees between the ages of 35 to 45 years to avail surrogacy, but they must use their own eggs and donor sperm.

Eligibility Criteria for Surrogate Mothers:

  • Relationship with Intended Parents: The surrogate mother must be a close relative of the intending couple. This typically includes sisters or sisters-in-law.36
  • Marital and Child Status: She should be a married woman and have at least one biological child of her own.
  • Age: The surrogate mother should be between 25 to 35 years old.
  • Frequency of Surrogacy: A woman can act as a surrogate only once in her lifetime.
  • Fitness: She must possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy from a registered medical practitioner.
  • Genetic Link: The surrogate mother is prohibited from providing her own gametes for surrogacy.

It’s important to note that recent amendments to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules in February 2024 have introduced a provision allowing the use of donor gametes for married couples if one partner has a medical condition necessitating it. This amendment offers hope to couples who might not have been eligible under the original Act, provided that at least one gamete comes from the intending couple.

Category Criteria Specific Requirements/Conditions
Intended Parents Citizenship Must be Indian citizens
Marital Status Must be a married heterosexual couple
Duration of Marriage Must be married for at least five years
Age Woman: 23-50 years; Man: 26-55 years (on certification date)
Medical Condition Must have a medical certificate proving infertility
Existing Children Should not have any surviving child (with exceptions for disabled children)
Single Women Widows or divorcees between 35-45 years; must use self-eggs and donor sperm
Surrogate Mother Relationship Must be a close relative of the intended parents
Marital and Child Status Must be married and have at least one biological child
Age Between 25 to 35 years
Surrogacy History Can act as a surrogate only once in her lifetime
Fitness Must be physically and mentally fit, certified by a medical practitioner
Genetic Contribution Prohibited from providing her own gametes

Decoding the Costs of Surrogacy in Delhi: A Detailed Breakdown

Understanding the financial aspects of surrogacy in Delhi is a crucial step for intended parents. It’s important to recognize that the costs associated with surrogacy can vary significantly based on several factors. Given that only altruistic surrogacy is currently legal in India, direct financial compensation to the surrogate mother, beyond covering medical expenses and insurance, is prohibited. However, several other essential expenses are involved in the process.

Here is an estimated breakdown of potential costs for altruistic surrogacy in Delhi:

Expense Category Estimated Cost Range (INR) Description
Medical Procedures (IVF, Embryo Transfer, etc.) 1.5 to 5.5 lakhs Includes fertility medications, egg retrieval (if applicable), sperm preparation, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer to the surrogate
Surrogate Mother’s Medical Expenses 2.5 to 8 lakhs Covers prenatal care, regular check-ups, ultrasounds, medications during pregnancy, delivery (vaginal or C-section), and postnatal care for both the surrogate and the baby
Surrogate Mother’s Accommodation and Food Up to 3 lakhs Costs associated with providing suitable housing and nutritious meals for the surrogate during the pregnancy
Caretaker/Maid for the Surrogate Up to 80,000 Expenses for a caretaker, cook, or maid to assist the surrogate, especially in the later stages of pregnancy
Surrogate’s Post-Pregnancy Protein and Medication Up to 30,000 Costs for necessary protein supplements and medications for the surrogate after delivery
Legal Fees Up to 2 lakhs Includes fees for legal consultations, drafting the surrogacy agreement, ensuring legal compliance, and obtaining necessary court orders
Insurance for the Surrogate Mother (3 years) Costs vary Covers medical complications arising from the pregnancy and delivery for a period of 36 months as mandated by law
Agency Fees (for facilitation and support) Costs vary While commercial surrogacy is banned, agencies might charge for services such as surrogate matching (within the close relative criteria), coordination, legal referrals, and emotional support
Other Potential Expenses Costs vary May include costs for initial medical tests for intended parents and the surrogate, travel expenses for the surrogate to attend appointments, and other miscellaneous expenses
It’s also important to factor in additional costs if donor eggs or sperm are required, which can add to the overall expense. Given the variability in these costs, it is advisable for intended parents to seek detailed and transparent cost breakdowns from surrogacy centers in Delhi.

Step-by-Step: The Surrogacy Process in Delhi

Navigating the surrogacy process in Delhi involves several key stages, each requiring careful attention and adherence to legal and medical guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:

Surrogacy Process in Delhi

  1. Initial Consultation: The journey typically begins with an initial consultation at a fertility clinic or surrogacy center in Delhi. During this meeting, intended parents will discuss their medical history, explore the options available under the current legal framework, and understand the ethical and legal aspects of altruistic surrogacy.
  2. Screening and Matching: Both the intended parents and the potential surrogate mother (who must be a close relative) will undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations. These screenings ensure that all parties are physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy process. If using an agency for facilitation, they may assist in the matching process, ensuring compatibility based on health and other relevant factors.
  3. Legal Agreements: A crucial step involves drafting and signing a legally binding surrogacy agreement. This contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the intended parents and the surrogate, including the coverage of medical expenses and insurance. It’s essential to have legal professionals involved to ensure that the agreement complies with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
  4. National Surrogacy Board Approval: Under the current regulations, intended parents need to apply to the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) for approval before proceeding with the surrogacy. This application includes details of the intended parents, their medical history, and a certificate of infertility, as well as the surrogate mother’s medical and family history and fitness certificate. The NSB reviews the application to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
  5. Medical Procedures (IVF): Once the legal and screening processes are complete and NSB approval is obtained, the medical phase begins. This typically involves In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother (or an egg donor, if permitted under specific medical conditions and recent amendments) and fertilized with the intended father’s sperm. The resulting embryo is then carefully transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
  6. Pregnancy Monitoring and Care: Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate mother receives comprehensive medical care and regular monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the developing baby. The intended parents are typically kept informed about the progress of the pregnancy.
  7. Delivery and Post-Delivery: As the pregnancy reaches full term, plans are finalized for the delivery at a registered hospital. The intended parents are usually present for the birth of their child. After the baby is born, legal procedures are completed to ensure a smooth transition of parental rights, with the birth certificate typically listing the intended parents as the legal parents.

Finding the Right Support: Choosing a Surrogacy Centre in Delhi

Selecting a reputable and registered surrogacy center in Delhi is a pivotal decision for intended parents. While the legal framework emphasizes altruistic arrangements, the role of a well-established center remains crucial for coordinating the medical, legal, and logistical aspects of the process. When researching Surrogacy Centres in Delhi, you might come across commonly searched keywords such as “best surrogacy clinics Delhi“, “affordable surrogacy Delhi“, “legal surrogacy in Delhi“, and “surrogacy success rates Delhi“.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a surrogacy center in Delhi:

Choosing a Surrogacy Centre in Delhi Shinefertility

  • Experience and Reputation: Look for centers with a proven track record and positive testimonials from previous intended parents.
  • Success Rates: Inquire about the center’s success rates for surrogacy procedures, keeping in mind that these can vary based on individual circumstances.
  • Medical Expertise and Facilities: Ensure the center has experienced fertility specialists, embryologists, and state-of-the-art medical facilities to handle the IVF and embryo transfer procedures.
  • Transparency in Costs and Procedures: The center should provide a clear and detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in the surrogacy process, even within the altruistic framework, and explain each step of the procedure transparently.
  • Legal Support and Compliance: The center should have tie-ups with experienced surrogacy lawyers who can guide you through the legal complexities of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and ensure all legal requirements are met.
  • Emotional Support and Counseling Services: The surrogacy journey can be emotionally challenging for both intended parents and the surrogate. A good center will offer counseling and support services to help navigate these emotional aspects.

Key Legal Considerations for Surrogacy in Delhi

As highlighted earlier, the legal landscape of surrogacy in Delhi is primarily governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Several key legal considerations need to be kept in mind:

  • Altruistic Surrogacy Only: The Act strictly permits only altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother receives no financial compensation beyond medical expenses and insurance coverage.
  • Prohibition of Commercial Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy, which involves any form of payment to the surrogate mother exceeding basic medical expenses and insurance, is illegal and carries severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
  • Surrogate Mother’s Consent: The surrogate mother must provide her written informed consent to undergo the surrogacy procedures. She also has the option to withdraw her consent before the embryo is implanted.
  • Legal Parentage: The child born through surrogacy is legally deemed to be the biological child of the intending couple, and the surrogate mother has no parental rights over the child.
  • Legal Agreements and Documentation: A legally enforceable surrogacy agreement must be signed between the intended parents and the surrogate mother before the commencement of the surrogacy procedure. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions, including medical expenses, insurance coverage, and the surrogate’s willingness to hand over the child after birth.
  • National and State Surrogacy Boards: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, mandates the establishment of National and State Surrogacy Boards. These boards play a crucial role in regulating and monitoring surrogacy practices, granting eligibility certificates to intending parents and surrogate mothers, and ensuring ethical conduct.

Essential Tips for Intended Parents Embarking on Surrogacy in Delhi

Navigating the surrogacy journey in Delhi requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some essential tips for intended parents:

  • Do Thorough Research: Take the time to research and select a reputable surrogacy center in Delhi that is registered under the relevant regulations and has a good track record.
  • Understand All Costs: Ensure you have a clear understanding of all the potential costs involved in altruistic surrogacy, including medical, legal, insurance, and other related expenses.
  • Seek Legal Counsel Early: Engage with an experienced surrogacy lawyer early in the process to understand your rights and responsibilities and to ensure all legal aspects are handled correctly.
  • Communicate Openly: Maintain open and honest communication with the surrogate mother (if you know her) and the surrogacy center throughout the journey.
  • Prepare Emotionally: Surrogacy is an emotional journey. Be prepared for the ups and downs and seek emotional support if needed from counselors, support groups, or your social network.
  • Respect Altruistic Nature: Understand and respect the altruistic nature of surrogacy in India. The surrogate mother is undertaking this journey out of compassion to help you build your family.

Shinefertility: Your Partner in the Journey to Parenthood in Delhi

At Shinefertility, we understand the profound desire for parenthood and are committed to supporting individuals and couples in Delhi who are considering surrogacy as a path to building their family. Navigating the complexities of surrogacy costs, legalities, and the overall process can be overwhelming, and our team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need every step of the way. We strive to offer clear, reliable information and connect you with trusted resources to ensure a smooth and ethical surrogacy journey in accordance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. If you are exploring surrogacy cost in Delhi and would like to learn more about how Shinefertility can assist you, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. We are dedicated to helping you realize your dreams of parenthood.

Conclusion

Surrogacy offers a unique opportunity for individuals or couples who cannot have children naturally. Delhi, with its advanced medical infrastructure, experienced fertility experts, and legal framework, remains one of the most popular destinations for surrogacy in India. If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s important to consult with experts, understand the legalities, and choose a reputable clinic that aligns with your needs. Surrogacy can be a rewarding experience that brings joy to those who dream of becoming parents, and Delhi provides a reliable and supportive environment to make that dream come true

FAQs

Q1. How to find a surrogate in Delhi?

Ans. To find a surrogate in Delhi, it is best to approach reputed fertility clinics that specialize in surrogacy. These clinics have a pool of pre-screened surrogate mothers and can help match you with a suitable candidate based on medical and legal requirements.

Q2. Is surrogacy 100% successful?

Ans. Surrogacy is not guaranteed to be 100% successful. Success depends on various factors, including the health of the surrogate, quality of the eggs and sperm, the IVF procedure, and the clinic’s expertise. However, success rates are generally high in reputable clinics.

Q3. Which hospital is best for surrogacy in India?

Ans. Several hospitals in India are known for offering quality surrogacy services. While it is difficult to pinpoint one as the best, some well-regarded hospitals include Indira IVF, Max Healthcare, and Fortis La Femme, which offer advanced fertility treatments and surrogacy services.

Q4. What is the cost of surrogacy in Delhi?

Ans. The cost of surrogacy in Delhi typically ranges from ₹14 lakh to ₹16 lakh, depending on factors such as the type of surrogacy, medical procedures, and the fertility clinic chosen.

Q5. Who is eligible for surrogacy in India?

Ans. In India, surrogacy is available only to legally married Indian couples who are unable to conceive naturally. The couple must meet specific medical and legal criteria, and the surrogate must be a married woman with children of her own.

Q6. How is surrogacy done?

Ans. Surrogacy involves a process where an embryo, created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby on behalf of the intended parents.

Q7. What is the difference between IVF and surrogacy?

Ans. IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a fertility treatment where an embryo is created outside the body and then transferred into the woman’s uterus. Surrogacy, on the other hand, involves a surrogate mother carrying and delivering the child for the intended parents, often after IVF is used to create the embryo.