Surrogacy is a process where a woman, called the surrogate, carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, called the intended parents. The surrogate is usually impregnated through in vitro fertilization (IVF), where embryos are created in a lab and transferred into the surrogate. Surrogacy is sometimes used when a woman is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy, or when she has a health condition that makes pregnancy dangerous. Other reasons to consider surrogacy include The absence of a uterus, Scarring of the uterus, Recurrent embryo implantation failure, multiple IVF failures, and Recurrent pregnancy loss.
Surrogacy cost in India can range from Rs.18 to Rs.27 lakhs, depending on some factors, including the type of surrogacy (traditional or gestational or altruistic surrogacy), the use of donor eggs or sperm, the number of IVF cycles required, and the experience of the surrogacy clinic. Given the various factors that influence the cost of surrogacy, This range contains both traditional and gestational surrogacy, with traditional surrogacy typically falling on the lower end of the expanse and gestational surrogacy being more expensive.
Here is a breakdown of the different factors that can affect the cost of surrogacy in India:
| Type | Cost (INR) | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Surrogacy with own eggs & own sperms | 18-20 lakhs | – IVF & Embryo Transfer: 2-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother selection & related: 1.5-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother’s compensation: 3.75-5.25 lakhs – Medical expenses: 2.25-3.75 lakhs – Legal fees: 0.75-2.25 lakhs – Other miscellaneous expenses: 1 lakh |
| Surrogacy with donor eggs & own sperms | 20-22 lakhs | – IVF & Embryo Transfer: 2-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother selection & related: 1.5-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother’s compensation: 3.75-5.25 lakhs – Medical expenses: 2.25-3.75 lakhs – Legal fees: 0.75-2.25 lakhs – Cost of donor eggs: 37.5k-1.2 lakhs – Other miscellaneous expenses: 1 lakh |
| Surrogacy with donor sperms & own eggs | 18-20 lakhs | – IVF & Embryo Transfer: 2-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother selection & related: 1.5-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother’s compensation: 3.75-5.25 lakhs – Medical expenses: 2.25-3.75 lakhs – Legal fees: 0.75-2.25 lakhs – Cost of donor sperm: 1-2 lakhs – Other miscellaneous expenses: 1 lakh |
| Surrogacy with Donor Embryo | 22-24 lakhs | – IVF & Embryo Transfer: 2-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother selection & related: 1.5-3 lakhs – Surrogate mother’s compensation: 3.75-5.25 lakhs – Medical expenses: 2.25-3.75 lakhs – Legal fees: 0.75-2.25 lakhs – Cost of donor embryo: 1-2 lakhs – Other miscellaneous expenses: 1 lakh |
| Cost of Surrogate Mother | 3.75-5.25 lakhs | – Includes surrogate mother compensation, food, clothing, and transportation – May vary depending on the surrogate mother’s experience and location |
| Cost of IVF & Embryo Transfer | 2-3 lakhs | – Includes the cost of fertility medications, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and laboratory fees – May vary depending on the complexity of the IVF procedure |
| Surrogate mother selection & related (cost) | 1.5-3 lakhs | – Includes the cost of psychological screening, medical evaluation, and legal counselling for the surrogate mother – May vary depending on the surrogacy clinic |
| Normal Vaginal Delivery Cost | 1-2 lakhs | – Includes the cost of hospital stay, delivery room fees, and newborn care – May vary depending on the hospital and the type of delivery |
| Cesarean Delivery Cost | 1.5-2.5 lakhs | – Includes the cost of hospital stay, operating room fees, and newborn care – May vary depending on the hospital and the type of anaesthesia |
- Type of surrogacy: The type of surrogacy is a major determinant of the overall cost. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother uses her eggs, is typically less expensive than gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother carries an embryo created from the intended parents’ eggs and sperm. This is because traditional surrogacy requires fewer procedures and less specialized medical care.
- Use of donor eggs or sperm: If donor eggs or sperm are used, this will add to the cost of surrogacy. The cost of donor eggs can range from 2 to 3 lakh INR (US$2,500 to $3,750), while the cost of donor sperm can range from 1 to 2 lakh INR (US$1,250 to $2,500). This is because donor eggs and sperm are obtained from anonymous donors who undergo rigorous screening processes to ensure their health and suitability.
- Number of IVF cycles required: The number of IVF cycles required to achieve a successful pregnancy can also affect the cost of surrogacy. Each IVF cycle can cost between 1 to 2 lakh INR (US$1,250 to $2,500). This is because IVF is a complex procedure that involves multiple steps, including hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
- Experience of the surrogacy clinic: The experience and reputation of the surrogacy clinic can also affect the cost of surrogacy. Clinics with a good track record and extensive experience may charge more than clinics with less experience. This is because experienced clinics have a higher success rate and can provide more comprehensive care.
- Surrogate Mother Compensation: The surrogate mother’s compensation is a major component of the overall surrogacy cost. This compensation varies depending on the surrogate mother’s experience, location, and the surrogacy clinic. In India, surrogate mothers typically receive between 3.75 lakh INR to 5.25 lakh INR (US$4,700 to $6,500).
- Medical Expenses: In addition to the direct surrogacy costs, there are various medical expenses associated with the process, including prenatal care, delivery, and newborn care. These expenses can range from 2.25 lakh INR to 3.75 lakh INR (US$2,800 to $4,700).
- Legal Fees: Legal fees are an essential part of surrogacy, as they cover the drafting and finalization of the surrogacy agreement. Legal fees in India typically fall within the range of 75,000 INR to 2.25 lakh INR (US$940 to $2,800).
- Other Miscellaneous Expenses: There may be additional miscellaneous expenses, such as the cost of the surrogate mother’s clothing, food, and transportation, which can range from 50,000 INR to 1 lakh INR (US$620 to $1,250).
Benefits of Surrogacy in India
Surrogacy has emerged as a viable option for couples and individuals struggling with infertility, allowing them to experience the joy of parenthood. India has become a prominent destination for surrogacy due to its several advantages, including:
High Success Rates: India boasts a remarkable track record in surrogacy, with success rates ranging from 70% to 80%. This can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Experienced Surrogacy Clinics: India houses a plethora of surrogacy clinics with extensive experience and a team of highly qualified medical professionals.
- Advanced Medical Technology: Surrogacy clinics in India employ cutting-edge medical technology, ensuring optimal care and treatment for both the surrogate mother and the intended parents.
- Strict Screening Processes: Both intended parents and surrogate mothers undergo rigorous screening processes to ensure their health and suitability for surrogacy.
- Comprehensive Support: Surrogacy clinics in India provide extensive support throughout the process, including psychological counselling, legal assistance, and ongoing monitoring.
Surrogacy Success Rates: India vs. Other Countries
India stands out among the world’s surrogacy destinations with its exceptional success rates, ranging from 70% to 80%. This compares favourably to other popular surrogacy destinations, such as the United States (60-70%), Ukraine (55-65%), and Russia (65-75%).
Factors Contributing to India’s High Surrogacy Success Rates
Several factors contribute to India’s remarkable success rates in surrogacy:
- Experienced Surrogacy Clinics: India has a well-established surrogacy industry with numerous clinics boasting extensive experience and a team of highly qualified medical professionals. These clinics have refined their procedures over time, leading to improved outcomes.
- Advanced Medical Technology: Surrogacy clinics in India employ state-of-the-art medical technology, including advanced fertility treatments, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and embryo transfer techniques. This technology enhances the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
- Rigorous Screening Processes: Both intended parents and surrogate mothers undergo thorough medical and psychological screenings to ensure their suitability for surrogacy. This stringent selection process minimizes the risk of complications and contributes to successful outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: Surrogacy clinics in India provide extensive support throughout the process, from initial consultation to post-delivery care. This support includes psychological counselling, legal assistance, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring a positive experience for all parties involved.
- Affordable Costs: India offers relatively affordable surrogacy procedures compared to other surrogacy destinations. This accessibility allows more couples and individuals to pursue surrogacy as an option for family building.
Additional Factors Influencing Success Rates
Apart from the factors mentioned above, several additional aspects can influence surrogacy success rates:
- Age of the Surrogate Mother: Younger surrogate mothers typically have higher success rates due to their improved ovarian reserve and overall health.
- Quality of Embryos: The quality of embryos used for transfer plays a crucial role in implantation success. Advanced techniques like PGD help select embryos with the highest potential for success.
- Experience of the Fertility Specialist: The expertise and experience of the fertility specialist overseeing the surrogacy process can significantly impact the chances of success.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Any underlying medical conditions in the intended parents or the surrogate mother can affect the success rates. Careful management of these conditions is essential to optimize outcomes.
FAQs about Surrogacy in India
1. Who can opt for surrogacy in India??
Answer: According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only married couples and single women who are widowed or divorced can opt for surrogacy in India. The woman must be between the ages of 35 and 45, and cannot have a surviving child from a previous marriage. The man must be between the ages of 26 and 55.
2. What factors affect the cost of surrogacy in India?
Answer: Medical Procedures: The complexity of medical procedures, the number of IVF cycles, and any additional treatments (like ICSI) can affect the cost. Surrogate’s Compensation: This can vary based on agreements, location, and whether the surrogate is a first-time or experienced surrogate.
3. How much does a surrogate mother cost in India?
Answer: The surrogate mother’s compensation typically ranges from 3.75 to 5.25 lakh INR (US$4,700 to $6,500). This includes her compensation, food, clothing, and transportation.
4. What is altruistic surrogacy?
Answer: Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation for carrying the child. This type of surrogacy is usually carried out between close relatives or friends of the intended parents. In such cases, the surrogate is motivated by the desire to help the intended parents have a child rather than by any financial gain.
5. What is the success rate of surrogacy in India?
Answer: The success rate of surrogacy in India is very high, ranging from 70% to 80%. This is due to several factors, including the experience of the surrogacy clinics, the use of advanced medical technology, and rigorous screening processes.
6. What are the legal requirements for surrogacy in India?
Answer: The legal requirements for surrogacy in India are governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021. This bill is currently in draft form and aims to regulate ART procedures, including surrogacy, ensuring transparency and ethical practices.
7. Who can be a surrogate mother in India?
Answer: To be a surrogate mother in India, a woman must be between 21 and 35 years old, have a healthy body mass index (BMI), and have given birth to at least one child of her own. She must also undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.
8. What are the rights of a surrogate mother in India?
Answer: The rights of a surrogate mother in India are protected by the Indian Contract Act, of 1872, the Guardians and Wards Act, of 1890, and the Supreme Court rulings. These laws ensure that the surrogate mother is not treated as a commodity and that her rights are respected throughout the surrogacy process.
9. What are the ethical considerations of surrogacy?
Answer: Surrogacy raises several ethical considerations, such as the commodification of the human body, the potential for exploitation of surrogate mothers, and the psychological impact of surrogacy on all parties involved. It is important to weigh these ethical considerations carefully before deciding to pursue surrogacy.
10. What are the alternatives to surrogacy?
Answer: There are several alternatives to surrogacy, including adoption, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI). These alternatives may be more appropriate for some couples or individuals than surrogacy.
