Surrogacy in India: Comprehensive Guide for IPs

While many developed countries have strict regulations and high costs associated with surrogacy, India has emerged as a leading destination for this reproductive technology. With its relatively low costs, advanced medical facilities, and thriving surrogacy industry, India has become the go-to location for individuals and couples seeking to have a child through surrogacy.

However, the new surrogacy regulation bill 2021, made the surrogacy a difficult process as there are many restriction and approval needed.  Once what is considered to be a straight forward process, now become complex and confusing journey to navigate.

Key Takeaways:

Surrogacy Landscape in India: India, known for affordable surrogacy, faces increased complexities with the 2021 regulation bill, altering the once straightforward process.

Altruistic Surrogacy Arrangement: Altruistic surrogacy, the sole legal form in India, involves no financial compensation, emphasizing support for surrogate mothers.

Surrogacy Costs: Surrogacy costs vary based on medical treatments, legal fees, and surrogate compensation, making India an attractive but regulated option. Due to excessive legal documents and approval, the overall cost of surrogacy in India have gone up.

Affordable Surrogacy Cost In India

For couples who are having trouble conceiving, surrogacy in India is becoming a more and more common choice, and the country is becoming a major surrogacy destination. Utilizing a surrogate mother to bear and deliver a child on behalf of the intended parents, surrogacy allows couples to realize their dream of parenting. Due to its sophisticated medical facilities and comparatively reduced expenses as compared to Western nations, India has become a popular destination for surrogacy in recent years. 

Intended parents need to comprehend the factors that go into surrogacy prices. A variety of factors, including medical treatments, surrogate pay, legal issues, and administrative fees, influence surrogacy costs. India is one nation that offers surrogacy at a reasonable price. Due to the availability of women who choose to become surrogates for intended parents who want to have their genetic child, surrogacy costs in India are lower than in their nation. Couples may choose to use altruistic surrogacy.  

Altruistic Surrogacy In India

Essentially, altruistic surrogacy is a situation in which a woman (the surrogate) voluntarily bears and delivers a child on behalf of the intended parents in exchange for no financial payment other than the repayment of associated costs. 

In contrast to commercial surrogacy, which is motivated by money exchanges, altruistic surrogacy is motivated by a desire to enable others to enjoy the joys of motherhood. In India, the only accepted and lawful form of surrogacy is altruistic surrogacy. The surrogate mother will be employed by the intended parents, but they are unable to pay her. The funding has also been cut for the surrogate mother’s compensation. The surrogate mother may only decide to assist the couple in accordance with Indian surrogacy regulations.

One of the costs associated with becoming a surrogate mother in India is three years of health insurance. It also includes living and other facilities, a very nourishing cuisine, frequent checkups, and various medical exams. 

Couples chose India for surrogacy for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Cost: The cost of surrogacy in India is one-sixth that of surrogacy in the US and Canada. 

• Surrogacy in India cost between $25,000 and $35,000 in 2014, while it cost between $70,000 and $100,000 in the US.

• Medical infrastructure: India offers a wide range of medical services and facilities.

• Healthcare quality: India offers excellent medical care.

• Support: Many couples in India can receive financial assistance for the procedure.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in India?

Numerous couples have benefited from inexpensive surrogacy in India in the past. For many couples from outside, it was the most sought-after location. However, the situation has now evolved. since a large number of contemporary rules and regulations have been created. It occurs as a result of enhanced procedures and exploitation control. 

The price range for surrogacy in India in 2023 is INR 15,00,000 to INR 25,00,000. Your expenses will differ as they are dependent on numerous factors. However, the overall cost of surrogacy in India includes the cost of IVF, the cost of surrogate pregnancy care in India, the living expenses of the surrogate mother, advanced care, a legal contract, and other fees. Because there is no legal reward for the surrogate mother and only an altruistic form is available, surrogacy fees in India are significantly lower.

Cost Breakdown Of Surrogacy In India

Since India offers more affordable surrogacy rates and more access to qualified medical specialists, many foreign intended parents are choosing to use this option. It is imperative to acknowledge that India has outlawed commercial surrogacy for non-Indian nationals since 2015. Inside the nation, surrogacy is only available to Indian citizens. Below is an outline of the expenses that Indian citizens will incur when using a surrogate:

Medical and Surrogacy Related Expenses

Depending on the specific procedures needed and the fertility clinic of choice, surrogacy costs in India can differ. The following are a few of the costs associated with the surrogacy process:

• IVF (in-vitro fertilization): The price for each cycle might vary from ₹1.5k to ₹2.5 lakhs.
• Donor Fees: Should the use of donor eggs or sperm be necessary, the expenses may vary from ₹35k to ₹1.2 lakhs.
• Compensation for Surrogate Mother: The amount of money paid to a surrogate mother in India varies; however, as only altruistic surrogacy allowed, so intended parents can pay out of pocket expense and reimbursement of the medical bills/work loss etc. 
• Medical Costs: The surrogate mother’s prenatal care, birth, and any associated medical costs may cost between ₹2.25kk and ₹3.75 lakhs.
• Medication: The cost of hormone therapy and fertility drugs for the intended mother and the surrogate might range from ₹75k to ₹2.25 lakhs.

Additional Surrogacy Related Cost

In addition to the costs of care, there could be other expenditures associated with the surrogacy process:

• Fees for Surrogacy Agencies: Surrogacy agencies may charge between ₹1.5 and ₹3.75 lakhs for matching and overseeing the surrogacy process.
• Legal Fees: Legal costs can range from ₹100K to ₹4.25 lakhs, and they include addressing parental rights and creating surrogacy contracts and surrogacy board approval. 
• Counseling and Support Services: It may cost anything from ₹37k to ₹1.5 lakhs for psychological screening and support services for the surrogate mother and the intended parents.

Factors Affecting Cost Of Surrogacy In India

Various factors can affect the cost of surrogacy in India. We’ll examine these elements clearly and interestingly.

1. Type of Surrogacy: The cost of a surrogacy can be influenced by two primary types:

• Traditional Surrogacy: In a typical surrogacy, the intended father’s sperm is artificially inseminated into the surrogate using her egg. Because it doesn’t involve cutting-edge medical techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF), this type is typically less expensive.
• Gestational Surrogacy: In this method, an embryo is created using the sperm and eggs of the intended parents or donor sperm and eggs, and it is subsequently implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. Because additional medical procedures and IVF treatments are required, this option is more expensive.

2. Fees for the Clinic and Doctor: The cost of surrogacy can be greatly impacted by the clinic and doctor selected. High-end clinics with cutting-edge equipment and skilled physicians will charge more. To strike a balance between cost and quality of care, it is imperative to investigate and contrast various clinics and physicians.
3. Compensation for the Surrogate: A substantial portion of the total cost of surrogacy goes toward compensating the surrogate mother. Though the price can still vary based on criteria including region and expertise, surrogates in India usually receive less money than those in Western nations. Before starting the process, it’s crucial to talk to the surrogate and decide on payment.
4. Donor Fees: The intending parents may need to use a donor egg or sperm if they are unable to provide their own. Donor sperm or eggs will vary in price depending on the donor’s origin, age, and health. The procedure of finding and vetting a potential donor may further raise the total cost of surrogacy.
5. Attorney Fees: Many legal procedures are involved in surrogacy, such as contract preparation and signing, acquiring required paperwork, and navigating the murky legal waters surrounding surrogacy. The complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience level might affect the cost of legal representation. Budgeting for legal costs is crucial when evaluating surrogacy costs.
6. Medical Costs: Depending on the particular treatments and procedures needed, medical costs related to surrogacy may differ. Here are a few instances of medical expenses:

• IVF procedures
• Hormones and medications
• Prenatal care for the surrogate
• Delivery and postpartum care for the surrogate and the child Possible complications and further medical interventions

7. Travel and Accommodation: Should the intended parents reside outside of India, the expense of travel and lodging may contribute to the total cost of surrogacy. Budgeting is advised for additional costs for meals, other miscellaneous things, and flights, lodging, and local transportation. It’s also critical to take into account the potential for several trips to India throughout the surrogacy procedure.
8. Twin Surrogacy Pregnancy: Cesarean sections are more expensive than normal births when twins are delivered. A ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 cost differential is possible.

Cost Of Surrogacy in Different Cities of India:

 Surrogacy in India For International Intended Parents

For many years, intended parents all over the world have turned to Indian surrogacy as a popular alternative for carrying out gestational surrogacy. However, recent revisions to Indian surrogacy legislation have eliminated many of these options.

The Indian Supreme Court decided in 2010 that commercial surrogacy was acceptable and may grow as a business in India. However, the Indian government forbade foreign intended parents from completing an international surrogacy in India in 2015. This prohibition is still in place, meaning that international intended parents are no longer able to choose surrogacy in India. 

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act of 2021 states that the only people who can use surrogacy in India are NRIs and citizens of India. Surrogacy arrangements are not allowed in India for foreign nationals, except NRIs and OCIs(Overseas Citizens of India).

There are now a few significant limitations on surrogacy in India that you should be aware of:

• Commercial surrogacy is illegal.
• Only struggling infertile Indian couples can choose altruistic surrogacy.
• In addition to having a medical document proving they are infertile, intended parents must be married for five years.
• A woman may only serve as a surrogate once; she must be married, have one biological child, and be a close relative of the prospective parents.
• The laws are written in an exclusive and heteronormative manner. Only infertile heterosexual married couples or widowed or divorced single women are eligible for ART. Single male and LGBTQI+ community and unmarried partners are not included in this category. 

Legislators claim that the purpose of enacting these laws and rules was to safeguard Indian women who are used as surrogates, who were previously frequently taken advantage of by the surrogacy industry.

Guaranteed Surrogacy Packages In India

Are you trying to find a trustworthy and reasonably priced approach to raising a family? Do you wish to have a child with your spouse who shares your genetic makeup? In that case, our assured surrogacy packages in India can be of interest to you.

However, how can one locate a reliable and moral surrogacy agency in India? How can you be certain that your baby is secure and healthy and that your surrogate is receiving proper care? How can the dangers of scams, fraud, and legal troubles be avoided?

Here’s where we get involved. As a top surrogacy agency in India, we provide surrogacy packages that are assured. For 13 years, we have assisted individuals from all over the world in realizing their aspirations of becoming parents. Our team of professionals will help you at every stage of the procedure, from selecting a suitable surrogate to giving birth.

Our assured surrogacy packages consist of:

– A thorough selection and screening process that includes background, psychiatric, and medical checks; – A legally binding agreement that safeguards both your and the surrogate’s rights and interests.

– An individualized approach for IVF treatment that increases your chances of success.

– A committed case manager who will arrange for all of the examinations, appointments, and processes.

– a complete support network for the surrogate, which includes housing, food, medical attention, and therapy.

– a routine report on the status of the pregnancy, including reports and ultrasound scans.

– A seamless birth experience at a respectable medical facility that offers neonatal care.

– a simple departure procedure that guarantees the citizenship and travel documentation of your child.

One special element of our assured surrogacy packages is that we provide a 100% return policy. This implies that we will reimburse the whole cost of your package if, for any reason, you choose not to bring a baby home. Not a single question was raised. In this manner, you may rest easy knowing that neither your money nor your hope will be lost.

Everyone ought to be a parent, in our opinion. For this reason, we provide our assured surrogacy packages in India at a reasonable cost. Our packages begin at USD 35,000, which is far less than what surrogacy often costs abroad. To fit your budget, we also provide flexible financing alternatives and payment schedules.

Get in touch with us right now if you’re interested in learning more about our assured surrogacy packages in India. We are pleased to provide you with a free consultation and to address any queries you may have. We hope to hear from you shortly!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current landscape of surrogacy in India is much complex and there are many eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill to do surrogacy.  Beside this, getting the necessary approvals from teh surrogacy boardsa nd district megistarte made it time consuming and costly process.

Each case is unique and need to be discussed with the legal team and medical team. If you are looking for surrogacy services in India, get in touch to have free consultaiton. 

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Complete Surrogacy. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately help couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.

FAQs

Q1. Is surrogacy available to foreigners in India?

According to the ICMR Guidelines, overseas surrogacy is prohibited in India as of 2015. If an individual holds an Indian passport, they are eligible to use surrogacy services in India as non-resident Indians. But if you’re a couple with OCI or PIO, speak with our case manager to go over your unique situation.

Q2. Is surrogacy permitted in India for NRIs?

In accordance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, a couple may pursue surrogacy for an NRI in India.

Q3. What aspects of surrogacy in India are involved in the total cost?

The primary determinants are medical treatments (IVF, embryo transfer, etc.), payment to surrogate mothers, legal costs, agency fees, prescription drugs, and medical testing. If there are problems during the pregnancy, further expenses might be incurred.

Q4. Is India a more affordable country for surrogacy than other countries?

Indeed, surrogacy in India is frequently less expensive than in many Western nations. It is imperative to take into account the legal statutes, medical standards, and ethical norms of the selected surrogacy location.

Q5. How much does surrogacy often cost in India?

Between INR 15,00,000 and INR 25,00,000 is the average cost for medical procedures, agency fees, legal fees, and surrogate compensation.