Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child for an intending parent or parents, subject to applicable law.

It is a form of surrogacy in which an embryo created through assisted reproductive technology is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate does not provide the egg used to create the embryo.

Traditional or genetic surrogacy describes an arrangement in which the woman carrying the pregnancy also provides the egg. This term is not confirmation that such an arrangement is legally permitted in India.

Under Indian law, altruistic surrogacy excludes remuneration or monetary incentives to the surrogate, apart from medical expenses, other prescribed expenses and insurance coverage allowed by the law.

Commercial surrogacy involves prohibited commercialisation or payment beyond what the law permits. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited in India.

Surrogacy is regulated in India and may be undertaken only when the statutory conditions and applicable rules are met. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited.

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

IVF is a fertility treatment in which fertilisation occurs in a laboratory. Surrogacy is a broader arrangement that may involve IVF and transfer of an embryo to a surrogate.

Gestational surrogacy involves an embryo created using assisted reproductive technology. The precise treatment plan is determined by the treating clinicians and applicable regulations.

No. Surrogacy and adoption are distinct processes with different medical, legal and administrative frameworks.

Only people who meet the applicable statutory eligibility conditions may pursue surrogacy. The criteria should be checked against the current law and confirmed through the required official process.

No. Eligibility is subject to legal conditions, medical requirements and prescribed certifications. A general FAQ cannot determine an individual’s eligibility.

The Act contains specific provisions for an intending woman. Eligibility depends on the statutory definition and conditions, so current requirements should be confirmed with the appropriate authority.

Do not assume eligibility. The statutory categories and conditions govern who may commission surrogacy, and an individual should obtain current legal guidance.

Foreign nationals should not assume that they can commission surrogacy in India. Government guidance and applicable restrictions must be checked before making travel or treatment plans.

OCI status does not by itself establish permission. Consult current government instructions and qualified legal counsel before considering any arrangement.

Indian law requires a qualifying medical indication and prescribed certification. The relevant medical board and authorities determine whether the requirements are met.

It is a statutory certificate associated with the surrogacy process. The applicable requirements and issuing authority should be checked under the current rules.

It is a certificate used in the regulatory process to confirm specified eligibility conditions. The appropriate authority determines the requirements and process.

Yes. Laws, rules, amendments, notifications and official interpretations may change. Always check the current official sources rather than relying solely on older summaries.

A surrogate mother is the woman who carries the pregnancy under the surrogacy arrangement and meets the applicable legal conditions.

Consent is a central safeguard. The surrogate should receive understandable information about the procedure, risks and relevant implications and make decisions voluntarily.

Surrogacy should not involve coercion. Voluntary participation and legally compliant consent are essential safeguards.

Commercial surrogacy is prohibited in India. Only expenses and insurance permitted under the applicable law may be provided; the precise limits should be verified.

The statutory definition of altruistic surrogacy allows medical expenses and other prescribed expenses, together with insurance coverage, as provided by law.

The law provides for insurance coverage for the surrogate mother. The required coverage, duration and documentation should be confirmed under the current rules.

No. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created separately and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

Assessments may include medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and other investigations considered necessary by the treating team and required by law.

Counselling may be required or recommended to support informed decisions and address emotional, relational and practical concerns. Confirm the applicable requirements with the clinic.

Qualified obstetric and maternity professionals provide antenatal care, monitor the pregnancy and plan delivery according to clinical needs.

Intended parents are the person or people who intend to become the child’s parent or parents through the arrangement, subject to applicable law.

They should comply with legal and medical requirements, provide accurate documentation, respect the surrogate’s autonomy and privacy, and plan for the child’s care and required formalities.

Any selection or matching process must comply with Indian law and applicable clinical and ethical requirements. A clinic or intermediary should not promise an arrangement that bypasses those requirements.

Whether a relative may participate depends on the current statutory conditions and the individual circumstances. Confirm the requirements with the appropriate authority.

Do not assume that a close-relative relationship is universally required or sufficient. Check the current law and official guidance for the applicable conditions.

Communication may be arranged in a respectful way, with agreed boundaries and appropriate attention to privacy, consent and the clinical care plan.

Yes. Participants should discuss communication, appointments, privacy, support and practical arrangements with appropriate professional guidance.

They should raise concerns with the treating clinician and, where appropriate, a counsellor or legal adviser. Required consent must be handled according to law.

Information-sharing should respect the surrogate’s privacy, consent and applicable confidentiality requirements. The care team can help clarify appropriate communication.

It can be. Counselling and support networks may help intended parents manage uncertainty, expectations and the emotional aspects of fertility treatment.

In vitro fertilisation is a treatment in which eggs and sperm are brought together in a laboratory to achieve fertilisation.

Embryo transfer is a procedure in which an embryo is placed into the uterus. In gestational surrogacy, it is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

An embryo is an early stage of development after fertilisation. Embryos created during IVF may be assessed in the laboratory.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a laboratory technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. Its use depends on clinical circumstances.

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

Medication depends on the treatment protocol and clinical circumstances. The treating fertility specialist explains the proposed regimen and its risks.

Experiences vary. Many people describe the procedure as causing mild discomfort, but the clinic should explain what to expect and how discomfort will be managed.

A clinician may arrange a blood test for beta-hCG at an appropriate interval after transfer and interpret the result in context.

No. Success is not guaranteed. Outcomes depend on several clinical factors, and the fertility specialist can explain the uncertainties relevant to a particular case.

The transfer plan is a clinical decision governed by applicable regulations and professional standards. Discuss the benefits and risks, including multiple pregnancy, with the treating specialist.

The clinic arranges appropriate follow-up, which may include repeat testing and ultrasound assessment. Care is then coordinated with the maternity team.

Antenatal care is healthcare provided during pregnancy to monitor maternal and fetal wellbeing, identify concerns and support a safe pregnancy.

Activity advice depends on the pregnancy and the individual’s health. The obstetrician should provide personalised guidance.

Seek prompt medical advice for concerning symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, fever, severe headache, breathing difficulty or reduced fetal movement when relevant to the stage of pregnancy. Follow local emergency guidance.

No. The mode of delivery depends on clinical factors and obstetric judgement. Surrogacy alone does not establish that a caesarean is always required.

The obstetric team discusses the plan with the pregnant woman and makes clinical recommendations based on maternal and fetal circumstances.

Yes. As with other pregnancies, complications may occur. Appropriate antenatal monitoring and timely medical care are important.

Postnatal care is provided to the woman who gave birth, while the intended parent or parents follow applicable procedures concerning the child’s care and legal formalities.

Yes. Postnatal follow-up helps assess recovery and identify complications. The care team should explain when and how follow-up will occur.

The surrogate should contact her maternity or treating healthcare team. Emergencies require immediate medical attention through local emergency services.

Costs vary according to clinical needs, treatment, location, investigations, medicines, insurance and other lawful expenses. Obtain an itemised estimate from a registered provider.

Do not assume there is one universal package price. Charges and permitted expenses should be transparently explained and comply with applicable law.

Commercial remuneration is prohibited. Only expenses and insurance allowed by the statutory framework may be provided.

Ask for details of consultations, investigations, medicines, IVF procedures, pregnancy care, delivery, insurance, follow-up and any other proposed charges.

Yes. Financial arrangements and permitted expenses should be transparently documented and reviewed for compliance with the law.

No responsible provider can guarantee a pregnancy or live birth. Ask for realistic, evidence-based information and the limitations of any success-rate figures.

It is prudent to verify the clinic’s registration, the intermediary’s lawful role, written terms and the basis of any proposed charge before making payments.

It should clearly identify the services, expected charges, exclusions, possible additional costs, payment schedule and refund or cancellation terms, where applicable.

Not necessarily. Ask the provider to explain what is included and ensure any proposed reimbursement or payment complies with applicable rules.

They can change if clinical needs or circumstances change. Request written clarification about how additional services and expenses will be handled.

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

Yes. Participants should have an opportunity to ask questions and receive clear explanations before making decisions.

Yes. Sensitive medical and personal information should be handled with appropriate confidentiality, subject to applicable legal requirements.

No. Access and disclosure are subject to consent, clinical needs and applicable law. Ask the provider how records are stored and shared.

They should raise the concern with a trusted healthcare professional, counsellor or qualified legal adviser. Participation should not be coerced.

Clear explanations from appropriate professionals can help participants understand their choices, obligations and the limits of what can be promised.

Her health, dignity, privacy and informed decisions should be respected, while care is provided in accordance with clinical standards and law.

Yes. Clear communication, counselling and timely professional advice can help address concerns. Legal questions should be referred to a qualified adviser.

It includes lawful conduct, informed consent, non-coercion, transparency, privacy, appropriate medical care and respect for the people involved.

Seek guidance from the relevant appropriate authority or official government channel. Keep copies of relevant records and obtain qualified legal advice if needed.

Parentage is governed by applicable law and the required legal process. Obtain case-specific advice rather than relying on a general description.

Specific certificates, orders, declarations or other documents may be required under the applicable framework. Confirm the current checklist with the authority and legal adviser.

It is a designated authority with regulatory functions assigned under the relevant legislation and rules.

It is the national registry associated with the Department of Health Research for records and registration relating to ART and surrogacy establishments.

Registration and regulatory compliance are part of the legal framework. Verify the provider’s status through official sources before proceeding.

It is legislation regulating assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks, including requirements related to safe and ethical practice.

Surrogacy and ART are addressed by separate but related legislation. The relevant provisions of both laws and their rules may need to be considered.

A clinic may provide information about its procedures, but individual legal questions should be reviewed with a qualified legal professional or the relevant authority.

Use the current official law, rules and notifications as the primary reference, and seek professional advice to understand how they apply.

Check the National ART & Surrogacy Portal, India Code and the relevant state or union territory authority’s official website.

Consult the National ART & Surrogacy Registry and confirm registration details with the relevant authority. Do not rely only on advertisements.

Ask about registration, the proposed treatment, clinical risks, alternatives, success-rate interpretation, costs, consent, recordkeeping and how complications are managed.

Check the publication date and compare the information with the latest official legislation, rules, amendments and government notifications.

Personal stories may describe individual experiences but cannot establish legal eligibility, clinical outcomes or what will happen in another case.

No. Eligibility depends on the law and individual facts, documentation and official assessment.

You may ask your treating team about obtaining another qualified medical opinion, taking account of clinical records and any applicable requirements.

Yes. A qualified counsellor or mental health professional may provide support with grief, uncertainty, stress and decisions about next steps.

Request written information and supporting details, verify the provider’s registration and seek advice from the relevant authority or a qualified professional.

India Code hosts the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The National ART & Surrogacy Portal provides FAQs, rules and other regulatory information.

Obtain an individual medical assessment, verify current legal eligibility and documentation requirements, confirm the clinic’s registration, understand the risks and costs, and make decisions voluntarily with qualified professional guidance.