The qualifications of the surrogacy physician, their success rates, and the geographical location of the surrogacy clinic are critical factors, encompassing services such as IVF medications, consultations, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, oocyte retrieval, IVF laboratory procedures, embryology, embryo transfer, and sperm preservation for over a year, along with compensation for egg donors provided by the IVF specialist. Gestational surrogacy stands out as one of the most effective reproductive options, preferred over alternative surrogacy methods, as it relies on the IVF process to be fully realized. In gestational surrogacy, oocytes and sperm are sourced from the intended female and male partners, respectively, and combined to facilitate natural fertilization.
Initial Consultation and Legal Paperwork
The initial consultation is a crucial first step in the surrogacy process in India. During this stage, intended parents meet with a surrogacy agency and legal advisors to understand the process in detail. This consultation covers the legal, medical, and financial aspects of surrogacy, ensuring that all parties are well-informed.
Legal Paperwork
Upon deciding to proceed, the next step involves extensive legal paperwork. This includes drafting a surrogacy agreement that outlines the responsibilities and rights of the intended parents and the surrogate. Legal documents must comply with the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021, ensuring that the agreement is binding and protects the interests of all parties involved.
State Board Approval
Once the legal groundwork is laid, the surrogacy agreement must be submitted to the State Surrogacy Board for approval. This board evaluates the agreement to ensure it meets all legal requirements and ethical standards. The approval process includes a thorough review of the intended parents' eligibility, the surrogate's qualifications, and the surrogacy arrangement's compliance with state regulations.
District Board Verification
After receiving state board approval, the next step is district board verification. This involves submitting the surrogacy agreement to the local district board, which conducts an additional layer of scrutiny. The district board ensures that the surrogacy process adheres to local laws and that the surrogate's health and welfare are adequately safeguarded. This step is critical for maintaining transparency and legality throughout the surrogacy journey.
Final State Board Approval
Following district verification, the surrogacy agreement returns to the State Surrogacy Board for final approval. This stage confirms that all necessary verifications and legal compliances have been satisfactorily completed. The final approval is a significant milestone, allowing the medical aspects of the surrogacy process to commence.
IVF Process
With all legal approvals in place, the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process begins. This medical procedure involves retrieving eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor and fertilizing them with the intended father's sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the surrogate's uterus. The IVF process is meticulously monitored by fertility specialists to ensure the best possible chances of a successful pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Medical Care
Once the embryo transfer is successful, the surrogate undergoes regular medical check-ups to monitor the pregnancy. This includes routine ultrasounds, blood tests, and other necessary medical evaluations to ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the developing baby. Comprehensive medical care during this stage is essential to address any complications promptly and to support a healthy pregnancy.
Delivery and Legal Formalities
As the pregnancy progresses to term, preparations for the delivery are made. The intended parents and the surrogate work closely with medical professionals to plan for a safe and smooth delivery. Post-delivery, several legal formalities must be completed, including obtaining the birth certificate and ensuring that the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the newborn. This step involves finalizing all legal documents and registering the birth with the appropriate authorities.
Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate compensation is an integral part of the surrogacy agreement. The surrogate is compensated for her time, effort, and the physical and emotional demands of carrying the pregnancy. Compensation typically includes a base fee, medical expenses, maternity clothing allowance, and additional benefits such as travel costs and post-pregnancy care. The compensation structure is clearly outlined in the surrogacy agreement and is regulated to ensure fairness and transparency.
Overall Cost and Duration
surrogacy cost in delhi varies based on several factors, including medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and agency fees. On average, the cost ranges between INR 15 to 20 lakhs. The duration of the surrogacy process, from initial consultation to delivery, typically spans 12 to 18 months. This timeline accounts for legal approvals, medical procedures, pregnancy, and post-delivery formalities.
Surrogacy in India under the Surrogacy Regulation Act is a comprehensive and carefully regulated process. By following these detailed steps, intended parents can navigate the journey with confidence, ensuring a legal, ethical, and successful surrogacy experience.