India has emerged as a popular destination for affordable surrogacy due to its advanced medical infrastructure, lower costs, and accepting legal framework. In this blog post, we will explore the country’s growing role in the surrogacy industry and the reasons behind its rise in popularity.
Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries a child for intended parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. It can be a costly and emotionally draining journey for couples struggling with infertility, and this is where India comes in as a viable option.
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of surrogacy in India is the lower cost compared to other countries. In countries like the United States, surrogacy can cost upwards of $100,000, while in India, it can cost around $30,000 to $50,000. This significant price difference is due to the lower cost of living and medical expenses in India.
India also has a well-established medical infrastructure, with many hospitals and clinics offering advanced fertility treatments and surrogacy services. The country has a high number of skilled and experienced doctors and medical professionals, making it a reliable and safe option for surrogacy.
Moreover, India has a legal framework that allows commercial surrogacy, unlike many other countries where it is either illegal or heavily regulated. This means that intended parents can enter into a legally binding agreement with the surrogate, ensuring that the child will be legally theirs after birth. This adds a level of security and peace of mind for couples pursuing surrogacy in India.
Affordable Surrogacy in India: Exploring the Country's Growing Role in the Industry
Another factor that makes India an attractive destination for surrogacy is its cultural acceptance of the practice. In many Western countries, surrogacy is still a controversial topic, with many ethical and moral concerns surrounding it. However, in India, surrogacy has been a part of the culture for centuries, with a concept called “Gestational Surrogacy” being mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. This cultural acceptance has made it easier for intended parents to pursue surrogacy without facing social stigma or backlash.
India’s surrogacy industry has also received a significant boost due to the rise of medical tourism in the country. Medical tourism refers to people traveling to a different country for medical treatment, and India has become a popular destination for this. Surrogacy is one of the top reasons for medical tourism in India, with many couples from around the world coming to the country to fulfill their dreams of having a child.
The process of surrogacy in India is relatively straightforward. Intended parents can either choose to use their own sperm and eggs or opt for a donor if needed. They can then choose a surrogate from a pool of pre-screened candidates, who will undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant with the intended parents’ embryo. The surrogate will then carry the pregnancy to term and give birth to the child, after which the intended parents can take the baby home.
While India’s surrogacy industry has seen tremendous growth over the years, it has also faced its fair share of controversies. In 2015, the Indian government introduced the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, which aimed to ban commercial surrogacy and restrict it to only Indian citizens. This move was met with criticism, as it would have affected the surrogacy industry and the lives of intended parents and surrogates. However, the bill is yet to be passed, and commercial surrogacy is still legal in the country.
In conclusion, India’s growing role in the surrogacy industry can be attributed to its lower costs, advanced medical infrastructure, accepting legal framework, cultural acceptance, and rise in medical tourism. While the industry has faced some challenges, it remains a popular and accessible option for couples struggling with infertility. With its well-established surrogacy services and supportive environment, India continues to provide hope and fulfill dreams of parenthood for many around the world.