Fertility Query Centre in Aligarh provides comprehensive services for couples who are struggling with fertility issues. One of the options that the centre provides is altruistic surrogacy, a form of surrogacy where the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation for carrying the child. In this article, we will discuss altruistic surrogacy, including what it is, who it is suitable for, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding it.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where the surrogate mother carries a child for another couple or individual, without receiving any financial compensation. The surrogate mother in altruistic surrogacy is motivated by a desire to help others, rather than by financial gain. This type of surrogacy can be used by couples who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term, or by individuals who wish to become parents.

Who is Altruistic Surrogacy Suitable for?

Altruistic surrogacy is suitable for couples or individuals who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term. This may be due to medical reasons, such as infertility or a medical condition that makes it difficult to carry a child to term. It may also be due to personal circumstances, such as being in a same-sex relationship or being a single parent. Altruistic surrogacy can be a viable option for those who want to start a family but cannot do so on their own.

How does altruistic surrogacy differ from commercial surrogacy?

The main difference between altruistic and commercial surrogacy is the issue of financial compensation. In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not receive any payment for carrying the pregnancy. Instead, she is motivated by a desire to help the intended parents fulfil their dream of having a child.

In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate mother is paid for her services, usually a substantial amount of money. This has led to concerns about exploitation and commodification of women’s bodies, as well as the possibility of surrogacy becoming a commercialized industry.

Legal Considerations:

In India, surrogacy is legal, but there are strict guidelines that must be followed. The surrogacy process in India is governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019. The bill bans commercial surrogacy, which means that surrogacy can only be carried out on an altruistic basis. It also requires that the surrogate mother and intended parents be Indian citizens, and that the surrogate mother be a close relative of the intended parents.

Ethical Considerations:

Altruistic surrogacy raises ethical concerns, particularly around the exploitation of women. Some argue that women who become surrogate mothers may be exploited, as they are not being paid for their services. Others argue that altruistic surrogacy is a form of exploitation in itself, as it commodifies the bodies of women. There are also concerns around the psychological and emotional impact of surrogacy on the surrogate mother, the child, and the intended parents.

Conclusion;

Altruistic surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where the surrogate mother carries a child for another couple or individual, without receiving any financial compensation. It is suitable for couples or individuals who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term. While surrogacy is legal in India, there are strict guidelines that must be followed. Altruistic surrogacy raises ethical concerns, particularly around the exploitation of women. It is important for anyone considering surrogacy to carefully consider the legal and ethical implications of their decision.