FAQ’s on Surrogacy in India

Understanding the many complex issues related to surrogacy can be a daunting task for intending parents. The procedure may involve self IVF, donor egg IVF, and the like. There are also types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. But the latter is most preferred because of the comparatively less chances for legal complications.

My own child

Opting for surrogacy is a major decision in your life. Surrogacy in India is much cheaper than that in the US, the UK, Australia or any other developed country. But, you need to understand all aspects of surrogacy before you take the ultimate decision. We have tried to make the process easier for you by listing important questions to which you should know the answers, before making up your mind on surrogacy. We have put in our best to make this list of FAQs as comprehensive as possible. If there’s still something that has not been covered below, feel free to contact us, using the form on the right.

Will we have any involvement in the selection of surrogate? Can we meet our surrogate?

Surely, any time or any number of times. Except in the case of egg donor, which has to anonymous, you can surely meet the surrogate. However, we feel that the selection be better left to us, as her medical fitness is more important than the appearance, as she is just going to nurture your baby and as such there will be no ‘Genetic linkage’ with your baby who will inherit all the characteristics from you and your husband.

How do you select a surrogate? What are your criteria? What tests does surrogate undergo?

Regarding Surrogate selection process and tests performed on her—everything is given in detail on this website, we request you to please go through those pages. Summarily stated,we do look for a healthy family background, surrogate’s physical, mental and social health, husband’s consent, personal habits and screen them for infection status –everything given in details on this website.

Is surrogacy legal in India?

Yes, surrogacy is legal in India and there will be well formulated agreement signed between surrogate, us and you by our attorney and our team at “ Surrogassist” will facilitate all the necessary documentation, paperwork etc. for you to make surrogacy process a hassel-free journey for you and will be with you at each and every step right upto exit visa.

How will we be informed about the progress of the surrogate’s pregnancy?

You will be periodically updated about the progress of the surrogate’s health and pregnancy status either by mail or by telephone.

What is the course of action in the event of multiple pregnancy?

In the event of higher order multiple pregnancy option of ‘ fetal reduction’-whereby pregnancy is reduced to two or single fetus, is given to you and after your consent the procedure is carried out. Charges for fetal reduction are not a part of the package and are around $ 600.

What complications can occur during the surrogate’s pregnancy period?

Surrogate can have some problems during pregnancy such as excessive vomiting, anemia, high blood pressure, ante or postpartum bleeding, pre-eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, preterm labour, intrauterine fetal growth restriction etc.

What is the mode of surrogate’s delivery?

Although most surrogates deliver normally, a caesarean section may be required for an obstetric indication.

When will the baby be given to us?

Immediately on birth of the baby, if the baby is medically completely fit.

Will paediatrician be present at the moment of birth?

Yes, always, and only after paediatrician’s examination and opinion about baby’s health, the baby will be handed over to you.

Can baby be vaccinated?

Yes, vaccination can be arranged on request.

Is umbilical cord stem-cell banking facility available?

If you wish to do cord stem cell banking you have to inform us earlier at the time of signing the contract. This has an extra charge of around $ 1000.

Do you offer DNA testing?

This has to be informed in advance at the time of signing the contract. We charge $ 800 per parent as extra charges, in addition to the package opted by you.

Can the surrogacy be arranged for a single parent also?

Yes, you can. If a single father wants to parent a child, surrogacy will be planned with your sperm and donor egg. The birth certificate of the baby will mention your name as the father and the mother’s name will be kept blank.

On the other hand, if you are a single mother who cannot bear a child for medical reasons, you can use a donor sperm and your egg so that the resulting embryo can be transferred into a surrogate. In this case the baby’s birth certificate will mention your name as the mother’s name and the father’s name will be kept blank.

What documents or papers are required for departure from India?

All the list of documents will be provided/mailed to you by our legal advisors once you sign a contract.