Surrogacy is a medical treatment, which engages a woman who agrees to become a carrier for intended parents or even an individual. Yes, the term carrier refers to a woman who conceives a baby. She makes these efforts only for someone who is incapable to deliver their own baby. This woman, who carries a child for some other couple or individual, is also called a Surrogate Mother.

Types

Before we move ahead to the cost and legality, let us first understand the two main types of surrogacies: traditional and gestational. The basic cycle of the treatment remains the same for both. In the traditional approach, a genetic link is retained in between the potential parents and the surrogate mother. This type of method is thus chosen by infertile patients. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate mother donates her own egg. As far as the semen is concerned, it is either taken from the intended parents or any other sperm donor. The completion of this process is achieved by a method called as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Since the egg is donated by the surrogate in this case, she remains the biological mother of the child. In the other type-gestational surrogacy-there remains no biological link between the surrogate and the baby. The eggs are donated by the mother or an egg donor and the sperm is donated by the father or a sperm donor. The egg is then developed into embryos with the procured sperm. In this method the baby will not have any biologically relation with the surrogate as the eggs belong either to the mother or a donor. The surrogate is only 'renting her womb'.

Why opt for India? Is it completely legal?

Choosing India as your destination for surrogacies is a financially intelligent decision to make. The costs for this treatment vary tremendously abroad and here. Also, one of the most important factors is that surrogacy is legal in India, even if it is done so for financial gain. Then again, the laws governing surrogacy in India are very clear. For example, sex-selective surrogacy in India is not allowed; government law says it should be prohibited. All cases of surrogacy should be and must be governed by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 only.

What is the procedure for opting IVF surrogacy in India?

IVF procedures in India are conducted by doctors in their private clinics, in hospitals, or in medical centers that specialize in these treatments. You can contact our International Patients Department for any queries that you might have about the process; they will be more than happy to help.

What is the cost of opting IVF surrogacy in India?

The cost of surrogate recruitment in India is approximately US $1,000, while that for surrogate endometrial preparation is US $2000. The total IVF fees are roughly US $4,000. These numbers can change according to expectations regarding the procedure from the client's side. These expectations include whether the surrogacy has to be done at a premium facility, if they want a full-time nurse, etc.

Statistics

Including the costs of flight tickets, medical procedures and hotels, it comes to roughly a third of the price compared with going through the procedure in the UK. - India Business Report, BBC World

The information provided above will make you more confident about opting for IVF Surrogacy in India. If there is any doubt in your mind, you can read stories of couples who have opted for this treatment in India and are today blessed with children.