Surrogacy

The decision to use a surrogate is not one that is made easily or lightly. And we want to make the journey as simple and comfortable for you, through a bond of trust between you and your surrogate. There are a number of centres that offer surrogacy programmes, which is why we are considered one of the leading fertility and IVF centres in India.

In the simplest of terms, Surrogacy can be described as gifting parenthood, wherein another woman volunteers to carry a baby to term for a couple. Little miracles are born every day through the generosity of these amazing surrogate mothers.

Clinic offers a 360° surrogacy programme, which covers the medical, legal and emotional aspects of this process. Our experts are on hand to not only guide you at every step, but also help you and your surrogate celebrate the highlights of this momentous journey. We are registered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a legal requirement to offer surrogacy, but it is our expertise in this delicate undertaking that has made us a preferred centre for surrogacy services.

There are several legal aspects that must be met, as well as emotional considerations, when you choose this option to start your family. To avail the services of a surrogate, aspiring parents must fulfil the guidelines set down by the ICMR 2010 Regulations and The Ministry of Home Affairs, India.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To use Surrogacy services in India, the following guidelines have to be followed as per the ICMR 2010 Regulations and The Ministry of Home affairs, India.

The ICMR ART BILL 2010 states the following:

 Surrogacy by ART should be considered only for patients for whom it is physically or medically impossible / undesirable to carry a child to term.

 Individuals or couples may obtain the service of a surrogate through an ART bank.

 The person or persons who have availed of the services of a surrogate mother shall be legally bound to accept the custody of the child / children irrespective of any abnormality that the child / children may have, and the refusal to do so shall constitute an offence.

•  A couple or an individual shall not have the service of more than one surrogate at any given time.
•  A couple shall not have simultaneous transfer of embryos in the woman and in a surrogate.

When is Surrogacy considered?

In India, couples are allowed to opt for surrogacy only when medical conditions rule out conception through any other means, natural or assisted. This means that you must prove, conclusively, that you are unable to conceive for medical reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below:

 Uterine conditions: removal, absence (MKRH), deformity (fibroids), etc.

 Pelvic: Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, etc.

 Systemic: Heart condition (cardiomyopathy), renal (transplants), epilepsy, diabetes, etc.

 Fertility: Multiple failed IVF, Multiple Miscarriage.

We have a thorough surrogate screening process in place to ensure to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby at the end of it. By being comprehensive, we try and rule out any unpleasant surprises. Our check covers the following:

 A complete background check of the surrogate and her family, including her educational background.

Medical tests and investigations such as blood studies for infectious diseases, a Pap smear, hysteroscopy etc. to evaluate her health and capacity to carry your baby to full term, as well as a general health check.

 A psychological evaluation, which covers an IQ test, mental and emotional well being, and her habits.

 General health check like routine nutritional requirement for a pregnancy.

 Legal documentation and agreements needed for surrogacy.

Any woman who volunteers to be your surrogate must meet all our requisites in the parameters listed above.

We also offer you the support of registered surrogacy advocates, who practice surrogacy law in India and can guide you through all the legal formalities. However, if you wish to choose your own legal surrogacy advisor, you can do so.

Legal Surrogacy process

Gestational surrogacy program follows

Having your baby via surrogate

Once you’ve made the decision to have your baby via surrogate, and have met all the legal requirements, we get to work to find your surrogate mother and start the process, which involves several steps.

Stage 1: Sourcing of embryos, using your own eggs or donated eggs. If you are able, and plan to use your own eggs, you will need to undergo a cycle of IVF to produce embryos that can then be transferred to your chosen surrogate. Alternatively, if you already have frozen embryos, these can be implanted in the surrogate mum-to-be.

If you choose to use donated eggs, we will help you to find a suitable donor. Typically, our choose egg donors must be under 30 years old, with ideal BMI, and matching characteristics and traits to the recipient couple.

Our egg donation programme covers selection of the donor, counselling, compensation to the donor, IVF and Embryo Transfer to the recipient. You can also rest assured that the whole process is handled with utmost discretion and confidentiality.

Stage 2: Choosing the right surrogate. We hand-pick your surrogate after the requisite screening, and prepare her for the embryo transfer. This stage of the programme includes pre-screening of the surrogate, endometrial priming, legal charges for the advocate, hospital stay for surrogate after embryo transfer (15 days), the embryo transfer and testing for pregnancy.

Stage 3: Monitoring the pregnancy. If your surrogate tests positive for pregnancy, we will give you the good news immediately. She is given accommodation for the duration of the pregnancy, and we ensure that she is cared for and monitored regularly. This includes medication, scans, procedures to keep track of the baby and a balanced, nutritious diet. Of course, we will also keep you updated so that you can share your baby’s key developments.

Stage 4: Your baby’s birth. When your baby decides that it is time to make its arrival, around the estimated due date ideally, we will proceed with childbirth, either through a normal delivery or via caesarean section, as required.

Stage 5: Compensating your surrogate. The compensation fee is delivered to the surrogate mother after the birth of your child and final signing of the contract agreement.

What costs would you have to bear?

You would be responsible for the costs of finding your surrogate, the procedures necessary to impregnate her, and her care for the duration of her pregnancy. Therefore, you would have to cover:

•  Screening tests
•  IVF Process
•  Injections and other medication
•  Egg collection
•  Embryo transfer
•  Medication before, during and after egg collection, embryo transfer and during the entire pregnancy period
•  Blood tests and scans during the pregnancy
•  Personal toiletries
•  Medical consultations
•  Delivery of the baby
•  Post delivery care for 3 months
•  Insurance for the surrogate

The following are not included and will have separate charges:

 Donor egg or sperm, if required

• Hospital stay, medication and care if the surrogate develops complications during pregnancy
• Medication is given to improve weight of the baby
• Care of the baby after birth

Our surrogacy programme has been carefully designed to ensure that the whole experience is as comfortable and joyful as possible. Our team works with you at every step, to help you fulfil your wish to become parents.

After the good news