Is Surrogacy Legal in India?
India permits only **altruistic gestational surrogacy** under strict criteria. Commercial or traditional surrogacy is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
Legal Framework: Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
- Bans all forms of commercial and traditional surrogacy:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Allows altruistic surrogacy only for Indian heterosexual couples married ≥ 5 years with proven infertility:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Surrogate must be a close relative (married with at least one child) and can act only once:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Additional age limits: woman 23–50 yrs, man 26–55 yrs; single widows/divorcees aged 35–45 may be eligible:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Who Can’t Use Surrogacy in India
- Foreign nationals, NRIs, live‑in couples, single men, LGBTQ+ individuals—excluded by law:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Penalties for Illegal Surrogacy
- Commercial surrogacy offences may lead to up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹1,000,000 (~£10,000):contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Why the Changes? Ethical Safeguards
Earlier commercial surrogacy led to exploitation and “baby farms”. Laws were amended to protect vulnerable women and ensure ethical practices:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
2021 Act in Practice
- Only altruistic surrogacy under medical oversight, insurance, and medical expense coverage:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Surrogate must legally transfer parental rights—the child is legally recognised as the intended couple’s:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Rules rolled out in 2022 formalise clinic registrations, embryo transfer protocols and abortion permissions during surrogacy:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Key Limitations and Critiques
- Critics point to discriminatory limits—excluding LGBTQ+ couples, single men, unmarried individuals, and non‑relatives:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Complex regulations and narrow eligibility may drive the process underground or push people abroad:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
FAQs
1. Can foreigners or NRIs have a baby via surrogacy in India?
No—since 2015, international commercial surrogacy is banned for non‑residents:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
2. Is any form of payment allowed?
Only reimbursement for medical and insurance costs. No payment or compensation is permitted:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
3. Can a single widow use surrogacy?
Yes—widows/divorcees aged 35‑45 with infertility may qualify under the Act:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
4. Can a surrogate be a friend?
No—the surrogate must be a close relative; commercial contracts and unknown surrogates are not allowed:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
5. What's the punishment for violating rules?
Up to 10 years imprisonment and hefty fines (~₹10 lakh) for commercial surrogacy violations:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
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Final Thought
Surrogacy in India is tightly regulated: only altruistic, gestational surrogacy is allowed under strict eligibility and ethical rules. While protective, the law excludes many groups and may push demand abroad. If you’re considering it, consult legal and medical professionals carefully.