Surrogacy in Delhi: Costs, Legalities, Process, and Everything You Need to Know

Surrogacy is an incredibly significant decision for individuals or couples who are facing infertility challenges. It provides a ray of hope for many who want to experience parenthood but are unable to do so naturally. In India, Delhi stands as one of the most prominent locations offering comprehensive surrogacy services. Whether you’re considering surrogacy as a potential solution or simply seeking more information, this guide will provide you with all the necessary insights on surrogacy options in Delhi.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a child for another person or couple. There are two primary types of surrogacy:

• Traditional Surrogacy: In this type, the surrogate mother uses her own eggs and is biologically related to the child.
• Gestational Surrogacy: The most common form, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.

Each type of surrogacy has different legal, medical, and emotional considerations, but both offer intended parents the opportunity to bring a child into their family.

Surrogacy in Delhi: Why Choose the Capital City?

Delhi, the capital of India, has long been a hub for advanced medical technologies, including fertility treatments and surrogacy. The city is home to a variety of fertility clinics and surrogacy centers, offering state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professionals. Here are some key reasons why Delhi is a preferred destination for surrogacy:

1. Access to World-Class Medical Facilities: Delhi has some of the best healthcare facilities in India, with renowned fertility specialists, advanced IVF technologies, and supportive care teams. This makes it an ideal location for individuals seeking surrogacy.
2. Experienced Fertility Experts: Delhi boasts a large number of fertility experts who specialize in surrogacy. Their in-depth knowledge and experience ensure that intended parents receive the best care possible.
3. Regulations and Legal Framework: India has established a legal framework for surrogacy, particularly after the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019. This ensures the rights of all parties involved, including the surrogate mother, intended parents, and the child.
4. Affordable Options: Compared to surrogacy options in many western countries, surrogacy in Delhi is generally more affordable. With high-quality services at a fraction of the cost, it has become a popular choice for people seeking surrogacy.

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in Delhi

In India, surrogacy has been regulated to protect the rights of the surrogate mother and the intended parents. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, has brought about several key legal provisions, including:

• Eligibility for Surrogacy: Surrogacy is only available to Indian couples who are legally married. The couple must also be suffering from infertility to qualify for surrogacy.
• Surrogate Mother’s Rights: The surrogate mother is entitled to adequate compensation for her services. The legal provisions also ensure that she is well taken care of during the pregnancy.
• No Commercial Surrogacy: The Surrogacy Bill bans commercial surrogacy, meaning that surrogates cannot receive payment beyond medical expenses and basic living costs.
• Parentage and Citizenship: The child born through surrogacy has the same legal rights as a biological child of the intended parents. The law makes provisions for the child’s citizenship based on the nationality of the parents.

It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of these legalities before embarking on a surrogacy journey, and working with experienced professionals in Delhi can help ensure a smooth process.

The Surrogacy Process in Delhi

The surrogacy process in Delhi typically follows a series of steps, which can vary depending on the specific clinic or fertility center you choose. However, the general procedure includes:

1. Consultation and Counseling: The first step in the surrogacy journey is to consult with a fertility expert. The doctor will assess the medical history of the intended parents, discuss their options, and provide counseling regarding the surrogacy process.
2. Selecting the Surrogate Mother: Once the decision is made to move forward, a suitable surrogate mother is selected. In some cases, the intended parents may already know their surrogate, while in other cases, fertility clinics will help find a match.
3. Medical Evaluation: Both the surrogate mother and the intended parents undergo thorough medical evaluations. This includes tests like hormonal screenings, genetic assessments, and physical exams to ensure the health of all parties involved.
4. IVF and Embryo Transfer: In gestational surrogacy, IVF is used to create an embryo, which is then implanted in the surrogate mother’s uterus. This step can involve the use of the intended mother’s eggs or donor eggs.
5. Pregnancy Monitoring: The surrogate mother will undergo regular check-ups to monitor the pregnancy’s progress. The fertility clinic will ensure that both the surrogate and the baby are healthy throughout the process.
6. Delivery and Parenthood: Once the surrogate mother reaches full term, she will deliver the baby. After delivery, legal paperwork is completed to ensure that the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Surrogacy

Before opting for surrogacy in Delhi, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Cost: Surrogacy can be a significant financial investment. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the costs involved, which can vary depending on the clinic and the type of surrogacy.
• Health and Well-being of the Surrogate: Ensuring that the surrogate is in good health is critical. It’s important to choose a fertility clinic that provides comprehensive healthcare for the surrogate.
• Legal Safeguards: It’s essential to ensure that all legal agreements are in place before proceeding with the surrogacy process. This includes agreements regarding the rights of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.
• Emotional Support: Surrogacy can be an emotional journey for all parties involved. Make sure that counseling and emotional support are part of the process to help navigate the psychological challenges.

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.

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.