Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child with the intention that the child will be raised by the intending parent or parents, in accordance with applicable law.

The surrogate mother carries the pregnancy. The intended parent or parents intend to raise the child after birth, subject to the legal framework governing the arrangement.

It is a form of surrogacy in which an embryo created through IVF is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, and the surrogate does not provide the egg.

No. In traditional or genetic surrogacy, the carrier also provides the egg. In gestational surrogacy, the pregnancy follows embryo transfer and the carrier does not provide the egg.

In India, it is a legally defined arrangement that excludes remuneration or monetary incentives to the surrogate, while allowing expenses and insurance as prescribed by law.

Commercial surrogacy is prohibited under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The statutory framework permits only arrangements meeting the applicable requirements for altruistic surrogacy.

IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation, a treatment in which fertilisation takes place in a laboratory outside the body.

ICSI is a laboratory procedure in which one sperm is injected directly into an egg. It may be used in selected IVF cases.

An embryo is an early developmental stage following fertilisation. In IVF, embryos are cultured and assessed in a laboratory.

Embryo transfer is the procedure of placing an embryo into the uterus. In gestational surrogacy, transfer is to the surrogate’s uterus.

Gametes are reproductive cells: sperm and eggs (oocytes).

Donor gametes are eggs or sperm provided by a donor for fertility treatment. Their use in surrogacy is governed by applicable regulations and approvals.

Cryopreservation means freezing and storing reproductive material, such as eggs, sperm or embryos, for possible future use.

It is a cycle in which a previously frozen embryo is thawed and transferred to the uterus.

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which is assessed during some fertility treatment cycles.

Implantation is the process by which an embryo attaches to and begins to embed in the uterine lining.

Beta-hCG is a hormone measured in blood tests to help detect pregnancy. Results require interpretation in clinical context.

Ultrasound may be used during follow-up to assess the pregnancy’s location and early development. The treating clinician determines the appropriate timing.

It refers to a medical reason considered under the relevant legal and clinical criteria. Required certification and eligibility assessment may apply in India.

Informed consent is a voluntary decision made after receiving information about the procedure, risks, alternatives and relevant implications.

Counselling can help participants understand emotional, medical, ethical and practical aspects of treatment and make informed decisions.

An ART clinic provides assisted reproductive technology services and is subject to registration and regulation under Indian law.

It is a clinic providing services related to surrogacy within the applicable regulatory framework.

It is a designated regulatory authority with functions specified by the relevant legislation, rules and notifications.

It is the national online record system for ART clinics, ART banks and surrogacy clinics maintained under the Department of Health Research.

The principal legislation is the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, read with applicable rules, amendments and notifications.

No. Terminology may differ across countries. Indian legal requirements must be checked independently before drawing conclusions about an arrangement.

No. It describes a role in a reproductive arrangement. Eligibility and approvals depend on applicable law and the individual circumstances.

Consult India Code and the National ART & Surrogacy Portal for legislation, rules, FAQs, registry information and relevant authorities.

No. It is an educational overview. Individual medical decisions should be discussed with qualified clinicians, and legal questions should be reviewed with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.