Altruistic surrogacy, also known as traditional surrogacy, is a process where a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple without receiving any financial compensation. The practice is becoming increasingly popular in India, particularly in Chennai, where the Fertility Query Centre is located. In this article, we will explore the concept of altruistic surrogacy and its benefits and drawbacks, as well as the legal and ethical issues surrounding the practice.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is a process where a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple without receiving any financial compensation. In contrast, commercial surrogacy involves paying a surrogate mother for her services. Altruistic surrogacy is legal in India, provided that the surrogate mother is a close relative of the intended parents and the arrangement is made without any commercial gain.

Benefits of Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy can offer many benefits for both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. For the intended parents, it offers the chance to have a biological child when they may not be able to conceive on their own. For the surrogate mother, it can be a rewarding experience to help another person or couple start a family.

Altruistic surrogacy can also provide a solution for people who cannot afford the high costs of commercial surrogacy. Commercial surrogacy can cost up to $100,000 or more in the United States, whereas altruistic surrogacy can be completed without any financial compensation. This can make the process more accessible for people from lower-income backgrounds.

Drawbacks of Altruistic Surrogacy

Despite the benefits of altruistic surrogacy, there are also several potential drawbacks to consider. One of the main concerns is the potential emotional and psychological impact on the surrogate mother. Carrying a child for another person or couple can be a complex and emotionally challenging experience, and the surrogate mother may experience feelings of loss or attachment to the child.

There is also the risk of legal and ethical issues arising from the arrangement. In some cases, disputes may arise over custody or other aspects of the arrangement, which can be complicated to resolve. There are also concerns about the exploitation of surrogate mothers, particularly in cases where they may not fully understand the implications of the arrangement.

Legal and Ethical Issues

Altruistic surrogacy is legal in India, but there are several legal and ethical issues surrounding the practice. One of the main concerns is the potential for exploitation of surrogate mothers. Some critics argue that women may be coerced into becoming surrogates, or may not fully understand the implications of the arrangement. There have also been reports of surrogates being mistreated or exploited by intended parents or surrogacy agencies.

To address these concerns, the Indian government has introduced regulations to ensure the protection of surrogate mothers. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines for surrogacy, which include requirements for informed consent, medical screening, and legal agreements between the surrogate mother and the intended parents.

Conclusion;

Altruistic surrogacy can offer many benefits for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. It provides a solution for people who may not be able to conceive on their own, and can also be a rewarding experience for the surrogate mother. However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, including the emotional and psychological impact on the surrogate mother, as well as the legal and ethical issues surrounding the practice.

Overall, altruistic surrogacy is a complex and controversial issue, and it is important for people considering the practice to fully understand the implications and potential risks.