Surrogacy Cost in India: Affordable Options and Best Centre

Surrogacy in India has emerged as a popular option for couples facing infertility challenges. With advanced medical facilities, experienced fertility specialists, and cost-effective procedures, India remains a preferred destination for intended parents worldwide. However, understanding the surrogacy cost in India and the factors influencing it is essential before making an informed decision.

Understanding Surrogacy in India (Post-2021 Regulations)

Defining Surrogacy: A Conceptual Overview

Surrogacy, derived from the Latin term “Surrogatus” meaning substitute, represents a reproductive arrangement where one woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple, known as the intending parents. Following the birth, the surrogate mother relinquishes parental rights, and the intending parents assume legal parentage.

Historically and conceptually, surrogacy can be broadly categorized into two types: Traditional and Gestational. In Traditional Surrogacy, the surrogate mother’s own egg is fertilized, typically through artificial insemination with the intended father’s sperm, making her the biological mother of the child. 

Conversely, Gestational Surrogacy involves creating an embryo using the egg and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. In this scenario, the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child she carries. The current legal framework in India primarily governs and permits only Gestational Surrogacy arrangements.

Defining Altruistic Surrogacy under Indian Law

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, defines “altruistic surrogacy” as an arrangement where the surrogate mother receives no monetary compensation, payment, reward, fee, or incentive of any nature for carrying the child. The only payments permitted are reimbursements for specific, necessary expenses incurred during the surrogacy process. These allowed expenses include:

1. Medical Expenses: Costs directly related to the surrogate’s healthcare during the pregnancy and delivery.
2. Insurance Coverage: The cost of obtaining mandatory insurance coverage for the surrogate mother.
3. Other Prescribed Expenses: This category refers to additional necessary expenditures incurred by the surrogate mother, as specified in the rules formulated under the Act. The Act itself does not detail these, leaving specifics to subsequent regulations.

This model starkly contrasts with commercial surrogacy, where the surrogate receives substantial payment beyond expense reimbursement for her time, effort, and the service of carrying the pregnancy. 

The underlying principle of altruistic surrogacy is that the surrogate’s motivation should stem from compassion and a desire to help the intending parents build their family, often involving close relatives or friends acting out of goodwill.

Legally Permissible Surrogacy: The Gestational Altruistic Model

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, establishes a highly specific and restrictive model for permissible surrogacy in India. It mandates that surrogacy arrangements must adhere to two fundamental conditions simultaneously:

1. Gestational Surrogacy: The child must not be biologically related to the surrogate mother. This is enforced by the explicit prohibition against the surrogate mother providing her own gametes (eggs) for the procedure. Consequently, the process must utilize IVF with embryos created from the intended parents’ gametes or permissible donor gametes.
2. Altruistic Surrogacy: As defined above, the arrangement must involve no financial compensation to the surrogate beyond the reimbursement of specified medical, insurance, and prescribed expenses.

This dual requirement marks a significant departure from India’s past practices, where commercial gestational surrogacy was prevalent. 

The simultaneous implementation of both the ban on commercial compensation and the mandate for gestational surrogacy (by disallowing the surrogate’s genetic contribution) creates an exceptionally stringent regulatory environment compared to many other jurisdictions globally, where either commercial arrangements or traditional surrogacy might be permitted under specific regulations. 

This strict framework has profound implications for the accessibility and overall cost structure of surrogacy within India.

The Legal Landscape: Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 & Amendments

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which came into effect on January 25, 2022, serves as the primary legislation governing surrogacy practices in India. Its core objectives are multifaceted: to regulate the practice and process of surrogacy, explicitly prohibit commercial surrogacy while allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy, prevent the exploitation of surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy, safeguard the rights of all parties involved (intending parents, surrogates, and children), and establish dedicated regulatory bodies for oversight and enforcement.

Eligibility Criteria for Intending Parents

The Act imposes highly restrictive eligibility criteria for individuals or couples seeking to become parents through altruistic surrogacy. Meeting these criteria is mandatory for obtaining the necessary legal permissions.

Eligibility Criteria for Intending Parents (Altruistic Surrogacy, India 2024)

These cumulative requirements significantly narrow the pool of individuals eligible to pursue surrogacy in India.

Eligibility Criteria for Surrogate Mothers

The Act places equally demanding conditions on women who can act as altruistic surrogates. These criteria are designed to protect the surrogate’s health and well-being and ensure the ethical nature of the arrangement.

Eligibility Criteria for Surrogate Mothers (Altruistic Surrogacy, India 2024)

The “Close Relative” Requirement and Its Ambiguity

A significant point of contention and practical difficulty within the Act is the requirement that the surrogate mother must be a “close relative” of the intending couple. Critically, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the subsequent Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, fail to provide a precise legal definition of “close relative”. 

While some secondary sources or discussions mention interpretations like “up to second degree” or requiring a “genuine relationship”, these lack explicit grounding in the primary legislation provided. Rule 5 of the 2022 Rules merely reiterates the requirement without defining the term.

This lack of definition creates considerable ambiguity and poses significant practical and ethical challenges. Intending parents face the difficult task of finding a relative who not only meets all the other stringent eligibility criteria (age, marital status, existing child, medical fitness) but is also willing to undertake the demanding physical and emotional journey of surrogacy altruistically. 

Furthermore, the absence of clear boundaries raises concerns about the potential for undue pressure or coercion within families, where vulnerable female relatives might feel obligated to act as surrogates, potentially undermining the Act’s stated goal of preventing exploitation. This legal grey area forces intending parents, potential surrogates, and clinics to navigate a path fraught with uncertainty.

Key Amendments (e.g., 2024 Donor Gamete Rules)

The regulatory landscape has already seen significant adjustments since the Act’s implementation. A notable amendment occurred in March 2023, which stipulated that embryos for surrogacy must be created using only the intending couple’s own gametes (sperm and eggs). 

This rule effectively banned the use of donor eggs or sperm, creating significant barriers for couples where one or both partners suffered from medical conditions preventing the use of their own gametes (e.g., genetic disorders, poor gamete quality, conditions like Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome). This restriction led to legal challenges and distress among affected couples, prompting intervention from the courts.

Responding to these challenges, the government amended the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, in February 2024. The key changes are:

• Donor Gametes Permitted (Conditionally): Married couples can now use a donor egg or donor sperm for surrogacy, provided that a District Medical Board certifies that either the wife or the husband has a medical condition necessitating the use of a donor gamete.
• One Parental Gamete Required: The amendment maintains a crucial restriction: at least one gamete (either egg or sperm) must originate from the intending couple. This means that couples where both partners are unable to provide viable gametes due to medical conditions remain ineligible for surrogacy under the current rules.
• Rule for Single Women: For eligible single women (widows or divorcees aged 35-45), the amendment mandates the use of their own eggs combined with donor sperm.

This 2024 amendment represents a partial relaxation of the earlier, highly restrictive stance on donor gametes. It acknowledges the practical difficulties faced by couples with specific medical needs and responds to legal pressures. 

However, the continued requirement for at least one parental gamete and the specific rules for single women demonstrate that the relaxation is cautious and limited. 

It reflects an ongoing tension within the regulatory framework between the original intent of tight control and the practical realities and reproductive rights arguments advocating for broader access.

Regulatory Oversight and Clinic Registration

The Act establishes a hierarchical regulatory structure to oversee surrogacy practices. This includes the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) at the central level and State Surrogacy Boards (SSBs) at the state level, along with designated Appropriate Authorities. These bodies are responsible for advising on policy, setting standards, enforcing regulations, and granting registrations.

A cornerstone of the regulatory framework is the mandatory registration of all clinics conducting surrogacy procedures. Clinics must meet prescribed standards regarding infrastructure, personnel qualifications, and procedures. 

Registration involves an application process and fees (e.g., INR 2 lakh for private clinics, government facilities exempt), and registration must be renewed periodically. Operating without registration or violating the Act’s provisions can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment up to 10 years and fines up to INR 10 lakh.

Essential Legal Procedures

Navigating altruistic surrogacy under the Act involves several crucial legal steps:

• Certificates of Eligibility and Essentiality: The intending couple must obtain both a ‘Certificate of Eligibility’ (confirming they meet the criteria like citizenship, age, marital status, lack of surviving child) and a ‘Certificate of Essentiality’ (confirming medical need for surrogacy via District Medical Board assessment, including insurance provision and a court order for parentage).
• Court Order for Parentage: A crucial step involves obtaining an order from a Magistrate’s court confirming the parentage and custody of the child will lie with the intending couple.
• Surrogacy Agreement: A formal, legally binding agreement between the intending parents and the surrogate mother is essential. This contract outlines the rights, responsibilities, permissible reimbursements, and expectations of all parties, ensuring clarity and legal protection.
• Parental Rights: The Act explicitly states that a child born through a valid surrogacy procedure is legally deemed the biological child of the intending couple or intending woman. The surrogate mother has no parental rights over the child after birth and is legally required to hand over the child.
• Abortion: The decision regarding abortion during the surrogacy period requires the written consent of the surrogate mother and authorization from the appropriate authority, adhering to the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The surrogate retains the right to withdraw her consent for the surrogacy itself up until the point of embryo implantation.

Estimated Cost of Altruistic Surrogacy in India (2024)

Average Cost Range and Variability

Estimating the cost of altruistic surrogacy in India under the 2021 Act presents challenges due to the relatively recent implementation and inherent variability. Based on data from various clinics and reports, the overall cost generally appears to range from INR 10 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs (approximately USD 12,000 to USD 30,000). 

Some specialized or limited-scope packages might be advertised at lower starting points (e.g., INR 4-9 lakhs), but these often exclude significant components like comprehensive surrogate care, legal fees, or mandatory insurance. Conversely, complex cases involving multiple IVF cycles or extensive medical needs can push costs towards the higher end or beyond.

It is crucial for intending parents to understand that these figures are indicative estimates. The actual financial outlay will depend heavily on individual circumstances, the specific clinic chosen, the complexity of medical procedures required (including the number of IVF attempts), the surrogate’s specific needs, the details of the mandatory insurance policy, and the geographical location of the treatment.

The Altruistic Principle: Impact on Direct Costs

The defining feature of the current legal framework is the prohibition of direct financial compensation or fees paid to the surrogate mother for the service of gestation. This legislative mandate removes what was often a substantial component of the cost in the previous era of commercial surrogacy, where surrogate compensation could range from INR 3.5 lakhs to over INR 6 lakhs, plus additional payments.

Theoretically, eliminating this direct payment should lower the overall cost compared to commercial models. However, while the absence of a surrogate fee reduces one major line item, the total cost of altruistic surrogacy remains significant. This is because the process still necessitates expensive medical interventions (particularly IVF), comprehensive legal procedures, and substantial mandatory insurance coverage. 

The aggregate of these unavoidable costs means that even “altruistic” surrogacy represents a major financial commitment, likely placing it beyond the reach of a large portion of the Indian population and challenging the perception that the altruistic model automatically equates to affordability for the average person.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for Altruistic Surrogacy

To effectively plan for altruistic surrogacy, intending parents need a clear understanding of the various cost components involved. The following table provides an estimated breakdown based on available data, though actual figures will vary.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Altruistic Surrogacy in India (2024)

Medical Expenses

This category constitutes the largest portion of the overall cost.

• Screening: Initial medical and psychological assessments for the intending parents and the chosen surrogate are mandatory to ensure suitability and fitness for the process. Costs typically range from INR 10,000 to INR 70,000.
• IVF/ART Procedures: The core medical process involves IVF. This includes initial consultations, fertility assessments, medications for ovarian stimulation, the egg retrieval procedure, sperm processing, laboratory fertilization (potentially using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – ICSI), culturing embryos usually to the blastocyst stage, and finally, the transfer of the embryo(s) into the surrogate’s prepared uterus. The base cost for a single IVF cycle varies significantly by clinic and complexity, ranging broadly from INR 90,000 to over INR 4,00,000. Success is not guaranteed in one cycle, and the need for multiple attempts is a major factor that can escalate costs considerably.
• Donor Gametes (if applicable): Following the 2024 rule changes, if donor eggs or sperm are medically necessary and approved, their procurement adds to the cost. Donor eggs typically range from INR 37,500 to INR 2,00,000, while donor sperm ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000. These costs usually include donor screening and workup, and potentially insurance for the oocyte donor as required by the ART Act.
• Surrogate Preparation & Embryo Transfer: Specific medical protocols are required to prepare the surrogate’s endometrium for embryo implantation, involving medications and monitoring. The embryo transfer procedure itself is a distinct step. Costs might be bundled within the IVF package or charged separately, estimated around INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000 if itemized.
• Prenatal Care: Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, the surrogate requires regular medical checkups, ultrasounds, diagnostic tests, and medications to ensure her health and the healthy development of the fetus. These costs can accumulate significantly, potentially reaching INR 2.25 to 3.75 lakhs if not included in a broader package.
• Delivery Costs: The expenses associated with childbirth at the hospital vary depending on the type of delivery. A normal vaginal delivery typically costs between INR 30,000 and INR 60,000, while a Cesarean section (C-section) is more expensive, ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakhs.
• Mandatory Surrogate Insurance: This is a legally mandated cost under the Act. Intending parents must purchase a policy covering the surrogate for 36 months for medical expenses, postpartum complications, and potentially illness or death. Premium costs are highly variable but estimated to be in the range of INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 or more for the entire 3-year period.
• Postpartum Care: Medical care for the surrogate following delivery, particularly for any complications arising during the 36-month insurance period, is covered.
• Newborn Care: While the focus is on surrogate costs, potential expenses for the newborn, such as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission in case of prematurity or complications, can be substantial (INR 1 lakh – 6 lakhs). Post-birth DNA testing might also be required or desired.

Legal Fees

Navigating the legal requirements of the Surrogacy Act is complex and necessitates professional legal assistance. Costs cover drafting and reviewing the comprehensive surrogacy agreement, obtaining the mandatory court order for parentage and custody, ensuring all documentation complies with the Act, and providing legal counsel throughout the process. Estimated legal fees range from INR 40,000 to INR 2.25 lakhs.

Permissible Surrogate Reimbursements (Beyond Direct Medical/Insurance)

This category represents the most ambiguous area of costing under the altruistic model, governed by the phrase “other prescribed expenses” in the Act. While direct payment for the act of surrogacy is forbidden, the law allows reimbursement for necessary costs incurred by the surrogate. 

The exact scope and limits of these reimbursements depend heavily on how “prescribed expenses” are defined in the specific rules (which are not fully detailed in the provided materials) and potentially on the interpretation by regulatory bodies and clinics. Potential reimbursable costs include:

• Travel Expenses: Costs for the surrogate to travel to and from the clinic for appointments, screenings, and procedures.
• Accommodation/Housing: If the surrogate needs to relocate temporarily for treatment or monitoring, housing costs might be covered. This could be a significant expense (up to INR 3-4 lakhs cited in some sources), but its permissibility under strict altruism might depend on medical necessity.
• Nutrition, Maternity Clothing, and Supplements: Expenses related to maintaining the surrogate’s health and well-being during pregnancy. While pre-ban practices included monthly allowances, the focus now is strictly on reimbursing actual, necessary expenses.
• Lost Wages: This is a critical point of debate. Some analyses and recommendations argue that compensation for wages lost due to pregnancy or recovery should be permissible and fair. However, the Act’s definition of altruistic surrogacy does not explicitly include lost wages. Unless specifically defined as a “prescribed expense” in the rules, reimbursing lost wages remains a legal grey area.
• Counselling/Psychological Support: Costs for mandatory psychological screening and ongoing support sessions for the surrogate are generally considered permissible expenses. Estimates range from INR 37,000 to 1.5 lakhs.
• Childcare Assistance: The need for childcare for the surrogate’s existing children during appointments or recovery is a practical concern, but its reimbursement is not explicitly mentioned as permissible under the Act’s definition.

The ambiguity surrounding “other prescribed expenses” creates significant financial uncertainty for intending parents. The lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes a permissible reimbursement beyond direct medical and insurance costs can lead to variability in practice between clinics and potential disputes. This area requires careful clarification through detailed government regulations or guidance from the National Surrogacy Board.

Other Potential Costs

• Agency/Coordination Fees: Although commercial brokering is illegal, some agencies might offer coordination services (matching, logistics). The legality and cost of such services under the altruistic framework need careful scrutiny. If used, fees could range from INR 1.5 to 3.75 lakhs.
• Embryo Storage/Freezing: If surplus embryos are created and frozen for potential future transfer attempts, storage fees apply. Costs are typically INR 5,000-15,000 per month or INR 25,000-45,000 per year.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): If medically indicated to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities, PGT adds significant cost. Estimates range from INR 25,000-55,000 per test or potentially higher.

Factors Influencing Surrogacy Costs in India

Several variables can significantly impact the final cost of an altruistic surrogacy journey in India. Intending parents should consider these factors during their planning:

Medical Complexity and Treatment Needs

• Number of IVF Cycles: The success of embryo implantation is not guaranteed on the first attempt. Each additional IVF cycle required incurs the full cost of the procedure, including medications, lab work, and transfer, making this a primary driver of cost escalation.
• Advanced ART: The need for procedures beyond standard IVF, such as ICSI (for male factor infertility), PGT (for genetic screening), or assisted hatching, adds complexity and associated costs.
• Donor Gametes: As discussed, using donor eggs or sperm increases costs due to procurement, screening, and potential donor insurance.
• Surrogate’s Health: Pre-existing health conditions in the surrogate or complications arising during pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia) can necessitate additional medical interventions, monitoring, and potentially hospitalization, increasing costs.
• Newborn Health: Premature birth or health issues requiring NICU admission for the baby can lead to substantial, often unplanned, expenses.

Clinic Choice and Location

• Clinic Reputation and Success Rates: Established clinics with high success rates, experienced specialists, and state-of-the-art laboratories often command higher fees. Intending parents may weigh higher costs against potentially better outcomes.
• Geographical Location: There is noticeable variation in costs between different cities and regions. Major metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore generally have higher operational costs and thus tend to charge more for surrogacy services compared to Tier-II or Tier-III cities.
• Package Inclusions: Clinics offer different packages. It is vital to scrutinize what is included in the quoted price (e.g., number of IVF attempts, medications, embryo freezing, legal assistance, specific surrogate reimbursements) versus what constitutes additional charges. Lack of transparency can lead to unexpected costs.

The interplay between clinic choice, its location, and the specific inclusions within their service package is a significant determinant of the final cost. Generic estimates can be misleading due to this variability. 

Intending parents must conduct thorough due diligence, obtaining detailed, itemized quotes from shortlisted clinics and comparing inclusions carefully to make informed financial decisions.

Surrogate-Specific Requirements

• The individual medical needs of the surrogate during pregnancy can influence costs.
• Requirements for specific support like dedicated accommodation (if deemed necessary and permissible) can add significantly.
• The premium cost of the specific mandatory insurance policy purchased will depend on the chosen insurer and the surrogate’s risk profile.

Insurance Policy Details

• The premium for the mandatory 36-month policy is a fixed cost, but the amount can vary between insurers and based on the sum insured chosen.
• The specific coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions within the chosen policy will determine the extent of financial protection and potential out-of-pocket expenses in case of complications.
• While surrogates may have existing health insurance, these policies rarely cover surrogacy-specific needs or meet the Act’s requirements, necessitating the purchase of a dedicated policy.

Legal Complexity

• The straightforwardness of drafting the surrogacy agreement and obtaining necessary court orders can affect legal fees.
• Any unforeseen legal challenges or disputes would incur additional legal expenses.

Cost Comparison: India vs. Other Countries

Comparing Altruistic India with Global Models

India’s current surrogacy framework is unique, operating exclusively under a strictly regulated altruistic model since the 2021 Act banned all commercial arrangements. This positions India differently from many other countries:

• Commercial Surrogacy Allowed: Countries like the United States (in many states), Georgia, Ukraine (pre-war status uncertain), Mexico, and Colombia permit commercial surrogacy, where surrogates receive significant compensation.
• Altruistic-Only Models: Jurisdictions like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia also permit only altruistic surrogacy, but their regulations regarding eligibility and permissible expenses may differ from India’s.
• Banned/Highly Restricted: Some countries, like Germany, prohibit surrogacy altogether, while others like Thailand have banned it for foreign nationals.

India’s Cost Position

Historically, India was renowned as one of the most affordable destinations for commercial surrogacy, with costs estimated between USD 20,000 and USD 45,000, significantly lower than in Western countries.

Even under the current altruistic model, India’s estimated cost range (INR 10-25 lakhs, roughly USD 12,000 – 30,000) appears considerably lower than typical costs reported in:

• USA: USD 100,000 – 250,000
• Canada: USD 75,000 – 100,000
• UK: USD 70,000 – 150,000

Compared to other popular international destinations offering commercial surrogacy, India’s altruistic cost seems competitive or lower:

• Georgia: USD 40,000 – 70,000
• Ukraine (Pre-war): USD 40,000 – 60,000
• Mexico: USD 50,000 – 70,000
• Colombia: USD 40,000 – 60,000

Iran is cited as potentially offering the lowest costs globally, around USD 12,000 – 20,000.

Comparative Surrogacy Costs (Approx. USD, 2024 Estimates)

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary significantly based on clinic, specific services, and individual circumstances.

Limitations of Cost Comparison

While India appears cost-effective on paper, direct comparisons are complex. The primary limitation is India’s highly restrictive eligibility criteria under the altruistic model. 

Unlike countries with commercial options or more liberal altruistic frameworks that cater to international clients, singles, or LGBTQ+ individuals, India’s surrogacy path is accessible only to a very specific demographic (primarily resident Indian heterosexual married couples meeting strict conditions). 

Therefore, India’s lower cost is relevant only to this small, eligible group. For the vast majority of individuals seeking surrogacy globally, India is no longer a viable option, rendering its cost advantage moot for them. The focus shifts from pure cost comparison to a comparison of accessibility and legal feasibility.

Affordable Surrogacy Locations within India

Analyzing Cost Variations Across Cities/Regions

Within India, the cost of altruistic surrogacy is not uniform across all locations. Data suggests variations exist, with major metropolitan cities generally exhibiting higher costs than smaller cities or towns.

• Higher Cost Centers: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore often show higher cost ranges, potentially reaching INR 25-26 lakhs or more.
• Mid-Range/Variable Cost Centers: Cities like Kolkata (INR 14-20L), Chennai (INR 15-19L), Hyderabad (INR 15-20L), and Pune show significant ranges but potentially lower maximums than the top metros.
• Potentially Lower Cost Centers: Cities like Indore (INR 10-15L) and Guwahati (INR 10-20L) have been reported with lower estimated starting cost estimates. Historically, towns like Anand in Gujarat were also known hubs.

Identifying Potential Lower-Cost Options

The data suggests that exploring options in Tier-II or Tier-III cities, or those with a generally lower cost of living, might yield some savings compared to major metropolitan centers. Cities like Indore show a lower estimated range in some reports.

However, several crucial caveats apply:

• Quality of Care: Cost should not be the sole determining factor. Intending parents must ensure that clinics in lower-cost locations maintain high standards of medical care, employ experienced specialists, possess advanced laboratory facilities, and demonstrate good success rates. Access to top-tier expertise might be more concentrated in major cities.
• Legal Compliance: Regardless of location, the clinic must be registered and strictly adhere to all provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
• “Close Relative” Factor: The overriding constraint of finding a willing and eligible “close relative” surrogate may dictate the location more than cost considerations, as treatment might need to occur where the relative resides or can easily travel to.
• National Cost Components: While clinic operational costs vary regionally, major cost drivers like advanced IVF technology, the nationally regulated mandatory insurance premium, and legal framework requirements are less susceptible to regional variation. This means that while some savings might be achievable in smaller cities, the fundamental high-cost elements largely remain, potentially limiting the overall extent of cost reduction. Intending parents must carefully weigh potential savings against possible trade-offs in specialist availability, technology access, and overall convenience.

FAQs

1. Is Surrogacy Legal in India Now?

Yes, surrogacy is legal in India under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, but only for married Indian couples with medical infertility. Commercial surrogacy is banned.

2. Is Surrogacy 100% Successful?

No, success rates vary between 60% to 75%, depending on factors like embryo quality, the surrogate’s health, and the clinic’s expertise.

3. Whose Egg Is Used in Surrogacy?

The egg can come from the intended mother or a donor. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic relation to the baby.

4. Is Surrogacy Good for the Baby?

Yes, babies born via surrogacy are as healthy as naturally conceived ones, with proper medical care ensuring a safe pregnancy.

5. Who Is Eligible for Surrogacy in India?

Only married Indian couples with medical infertility, aged 23-50 (wife) and 26-55 (husband), and without a biological or adopted child, are eligible.