Surrogates in India

AI Smart Summary

Fast Facts

Allowed

Altruistic gestational surrogacy only

Not Allowed

Commercial surrogacy, surrogacy for foreign nationals

Surrogate Age

25–35 years

Eligibility

Must be a married woman with at least one child

Legal Requirement

Surrogate must be a close relative (in most cases)

Who Can Become a Surrogate in India?

Surrogacy Process in India

Next Steps

Review Eligibility Requirements for Indian Surrogacy

Learn About Surrogacy Laws & Permitted Practices

Explore Approved ART & Surrogacy Clinics

Understand the Application & Approval Process

Consult a Legal Specialist Familiar With the Surrogacy Act

Definition: What Is Surrogacy in India?

In India, surrogacy is a regulated family-building pathway in which a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for the intending parent(s) with the intention of handing over the child after birth—within strict legal and medical safeguards. HFW Delhi
Under India’s current framework, commercial surrogacy is prohibited, and only altruistic surrogacy is permitted—meaning the surrogate is not paid a “fee,” though legitimate pregnancy-related and medical expenses may be reimbursed as allowed under law and clinical practice. HFW Delhi

Your Trusted Partner for Surrogacy in India

Indian Egg Donors is here to support intended parents worldwide by facilitating surrogacy arrangements in India. Our commitment to connecting you with experienced and compassionate surrogates ensures a seamless and supported journey toward building your family.

Why Choose Indian Egg Donors for Surrogacy in India?

Extensive Network of Surrogates

We offer one of India’s largest networks of experienced surrogates, ensuring you find the right match for your surrogacy needs.

Culturally Diverse Options

Our surrogates come from various cultural backgrounds, providing intended parents with diverse and personalized options that meet your requirements.

Collaborations with Leading IVF Centers

We work closely with over 100 renowned IVF clinics across India, including top names such as Cornell, NYU, and Columbia, ensuring the highest standards of care.

Comprehensive Support

From selecting your surrogate to completing your surrogacy journey, our team offers expert support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.

1000+ Surrogate Profiles

Our extensive database includes many surrogates, helping you find the perfect match in India.

Legally Compliant Procedures

We strictly adhere to Indian laws and ethical standards, ensuring that all surrogacy practices are fully compliant and transparent.

Expert Guidance

From the initial consultation through to the final stages of surrogacy, our team provides expert legal, medical, and emotional support throughout your entire journey.

Key Facts

TopicWhat It Means in Practice
Legal FrameworkSurrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 along with its Rules; the ART Act operates in parallel for regulatory oversight.
Commercial SurrogacyNot allowed under Indian law.
Allowed ModelAltruistic surrogacy only, covering expense reimbursements and excluding monetary compensation.
EligibilityRestricted to specific categories of Indian intending parents, including eligible single women such as widows or divorcees.
Donor GametesFebruary 21, 2024 update allows one donor gamete for an intending couple with medical board certification; at least one gamete must belong to the intending couple.
Court ClarificationOctober 2025 clarification states that age limits cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who had already initiated the process (e.g., embryo freezing) before the law took effect.
Best Fit ForFamilies who qualify under Indian law and can complete the documentation and approval process.

Step-by-Step: How the Surrogacy Process Works (India)

Step 1

Eligibility & Medical Review (Start here)

We begin with a confidential review of:

  • Your medical indication for surrogacy

  • Your documentation and eligibility pathway (couple vs permitted single-woman pathway) HFW Delhi+1

Step 2

Clinic & Treatment Planning

  • Choose a qualified ART/IVF clinic partner

  • Decide whether embryos already exist or need to be created

  • Confirm screening strategy (genetic testing options, infectious disease testing, uterine evaluation for the surrogate)

Step 3

Legal Guidance & Required Approvals

India’s system is document-heavy. A qualified legal professional is essential to:

  • Confirm which certificates/authorizations apply

  • Ensure all agreements and consents align with current rules Indian Egg Donors+1

Step 4

Surrogate Matching & Screening

Surrogates must meet strict medical and psychological standards, including:

  • Full medical history review

  • Pregnancy history assessment

  • Infectious disease screening

  • Psychological screening and informed consent Indian Egg Donors+1

Step 5

Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy Care

  • Transfer strategy is individualized (often single embryo transfer depending on embryo quality and clinic protocols)

  • Routine prenatal visits + obstetric oversight

  • Continuous documentation and compliance follow-ups

Step 6

Delivery, Parentage Steps & Postpartum Support

  • Delivery planning in coordination with hospital and legal counsel

  • Postpartum support for surrogate and intended parent(s)

  • Documentation steps for the child’s status and any additional formalities required

Cost Breakdown (How Surrogacy Costs Work Under Altruistic-Only Rules)

Because commercial surrogacy is prohibited, costs are not structured as “surrogate compensation.” Instead, typical cost categories may include:

Cost Breakdown (How Surrogacy Costs Work Under Altruistic-Only Rules)

Eligibility, Requirements & Restrictions

Your current page says: “Only Indian married couples… can legally pursue surrogacy in India.” That is too absolute and should be updated. Indian Egg Donors

Who may be eligible (high-level)

Eligibility is restricted and typically includes:

  • Certain Indian intending couples who meet statutory requirements (age, medical indication, documentation, etc.). HFW Delhi+1

  • Certain single women (specifically  widow or divorcee) within the defined age range under the Act’s definitions and prevailing interpretations.  Vinsfertility.com+1

Who is generally not eligible under current rules (common exclusions)

  • Single men

  • Live-in partners (not legally married)

  • Same-sex couples

  • Other categories not explicitly allowed under the statutory framework

International intended parents

Your page says you support “intended parents worldwide.” That’s fine as a brand statement, but your India-specific page must clearly state that eligibility is governed by Indian law, and cross-border arrangements can involve additional compliance risks and limitations. Indian Egg Donors+1

Donor Eggs / Donor Sperm Rules

This is the most important factual update to reflect on your page:

What people believed before 2024

What changed on Feb 21, 2024

Practical meaning:

If one partner has a medical condition affecting gametes, donor egg or donor sperm might be possible for a qualifying intending couple—subject to certification and compliance.

Risks & Success Rates (What Families Should Know)

Medical risks

  • IVF medication side effects

  • Multiple pregnancy risks (if more than one embryo transferred)

  • Pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm delivery)

  • Delivery risks (C-section, postpartum recovery)

Legal/administrative risks

  • Approval timelines can shift

  • Documentation requirements can be strict

  • Noncompliance can cause delays or disqualification 

Success rates: what drives outcomes

Success depends on:

  • Embryo quality (age of egg source, lab quality, genetics)

  • Uterine health and obstetric history of the surrogate

  • Clinic protocols and transfer strategy

Why Choose Indian Egg Donors for Surrogacy in India?

We offer one of India’s largest networks of experienced surrogates, ensuring you find the right match for your surrogacy needs.

Our surrogates come from various cultural backgrounds, providing intended parents with diverse and personalized options that meet your requirements.

We work closely with over 100 renowned IVF clinics across India, including top names such as Cornell, NYU, and Columbia, ensuring the highest standards of care.

From selecting your surrogate to completing your surrogacy journey, our team offers expert support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.

Our extensive database includes many surrogates, helping you find the perfect match in India.

We strictly adhere to Indian laws and ethical standards, ensuring that all surrogacy practices are fully compliant and transparent.

From the initial consultation through to the final stages of surrogacy, our team provides expert legal, medical, and emotional support throughout your entire journey.

Key Changes in India’s Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2024 (Effective February 21, 2024)

As of February 2024, India’s Surrogacy (Regulation) Act introduces several critical changes, altering the surrogacy landscape:

International Surrogacy Options and Cost Benefits

The ART Act and Surrogacy: Legal Framework

Surrogacy Bill: Detailed Insights

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India

On February 21, 2024, the Indian government made significant changes to the surrogacy laws, particularly in allowing the use of egg and sperm donors. However, many key provisions from the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2021 remain unchanged. Below is a breakdown of the essential legal aspects still in place:

Key Features of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2021

Surrogacy Laws in India: Eligibility and Regulations

Eligibility Requirements for Intended Parents

Eligibility Requirements for Surrogate Mothers

Legal Procedures for Surrogacy in India

The legal process is crucial to ensure compliance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act. This process is typically managed by an attorney who can handle the paperwork and legal formalities. The steps generally include:

Legal Procedures for Surrogacy in India

Court Filings Required for Surrogacy

Before Birth:

After Birth:

Seeking Professional Legal Help

Surrogacy in India can be legally complex, and it is essential to seek guidance from a qualified legal professional who specializes in surrogacy law. Legal professionals can help you navigate the process, ensure compliance with all relevant laws, and mitigate potential risks.

Important Note: The information provided is for general awareness only and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific guidance, please get in touch with our agency or a qualified lawyer specializing in surrogacy law in India.

Case Study

“Asha & Kunal’s Pathway After Multiple IVF Failures”

Overall Realistic Timeline

Why Surrogacy Can Take Longer in India

Legal & Regulatory Requirements

Court Cases or Clarifications

Administrative Board Schedules & Backlogs

Quick Reference Timeline

PhaseTypical Duration
Eligibility & Certificates~1–2 months
Legal Review & Approvals~2–4 months
Surrogate Matching~1–2 months
IVF & Embryo Preparation~1–2 months
Pregnancy~9 months
Post-Birth Legal Steps~1–2 months
Total12–18 months (typically)
With Delays15–24+ months

Bottom Line

Comparison: India vs USA/Canada (When India Isn’t the Best Fit)

Testimonials

FAQs — Global Surrogacy

Is surrogacy legal in India?

We maintain a secure and comprehensive egg donor database with over 1,000 pre-screened profiles, including:

Yes—altruistic surrogacy is legal under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and Rules, with strict oversight. 

No. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited.

Not a “fee.” Altruistic surrogacy allows reimbursement of legitimate pregnancy-related and medical expenses within legal/clinical limits.i

Eligibility is restricted—commonly including certain Indian intending couples and certain single women (widow/divorcee) meeting defined criteria. 

Under current commonly applied rules and interpretations, same-sex couples are generally not eligible. 

A key update: since Feb 21, 2024one donor gamete may be permitted for an intending couple if medically certified; the child must still have at least one gamete from the intending couple. 

Many families should plan for 12–18+ months, depending on approvals and medical steps.

It can be complex. Eligibility and compliance must be confirmed case-by-case under Indian law; many international families choose USA/Canada for clearer legal pathways. 

A physician-led consult to confirm eligibility, medical indication, and the best legal jurisdiction for your family.