Fertility Query Centre in Erode is a medical facility that offers a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. One of the ART methods that Fertility Query Centre offers is altruistic surrogacy. This paper will explore the concept of altruistic surrogacy, how it differs from commercial surrogacy, the legal and ethical implications of altruistic surrogacy, and the benefits and drawbacks of this practice.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is a form of surrogacy in which the surrogate mother carries a pregnancy for someone else without receiving payment for her services. In this form of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is motivated by a desire to help the intended parents achieve their dream of having a child. The intended parents may be a heterosexual or same-sex couple, or a single individual.

How does Altruistic Surrogacy differ from Commercial Surrogacy?

In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate mother is paid for her services. This compensation can be quite substantial, and may include payment for medical expenses, living expenses, and lost wages. Commercial surrogacy is illegal in India under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020. The bill only allows altruistic surrogacy, and only for married Indian couples who have been married for at least five years and who are unable to conceive a child on their own.

Legal and Ethical Implications of Altruistic Surrogacy

There are several legal and ethical implications of altruistic surrogacy. One of the key ethical concerns is the exploitation of women. Critics of surrogacy argue that women who act as surrogates are often from disadvantaged backgrounds and may be coerced into surrogacy because of financial or other pressures. In the case of altruistic surrogacy, however, the surrogate mother is not motivated by financial gain, and is instead motivated by a desire to help the intended parents.

Another legal and ethical concern is the possibility of custody disputes. In many countries, including India, the law regarding surrogacy is still evolving. There have been cases where the intended parents have faced custody disputes with the surrogate mother, or where the surrogate mother has changed her mind about giving up the child. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 attempts to address these concerns by requiring a written agreement between the surrogate mother and the intended parents before the surrogacy takes place. The agreement must specify that the child will be the legal child of the intended parents, and that the surrogate mother will have no parental rights or responsibilities.

Benefits of Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy can offer many benefits to intended parents who are struggling with infertility. First and foremost, it provides a way for couples to have a biological child of their own, even if they are unable to carry a pregnancy to term. This can be especially important for couples who have exhausted other fertility treatments or who have medical conditions that make it impossible for them to conceive naturally.

Another benefit of altruistic surrogacy is that it allows intended parents to be actively involved in the pregnancy and birth of their child. Unlike adoption, which can involve a lengthy and complicated legal process, surrogacy allows intended parents to be present for the pregnancy and childbirth, and to be involved in the decision-making process throughout.

Additionally, altruistic surrogacy can provide emotional benefits to intended parents, who may feel a sense of gratitude and connection to the surrogate who has helped them to become parents. It can also provide a sense of closure for intended parents who have been struggling with infertility for a long time, allowing them to move forward with their lives and focus on raising their child.

Challenges of Altruistic Surrogacy

While altruistic surrogacy can offer many benefits, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges of altruistic surrogacy is finding a suitable surrogate who is willing to carry the pregnancy out of a sense of altruism. This can be especially difficult in countries like India, where surrogacy laws are complex and can vary from state to state.

Another challenge of altruistic surrogacy is managing the emotional and psychological impact of the process on all parties involved. For intended parents, surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster, with high highs and low lows. For the surrogate, carrying a pregnancy for another person or couple can be a complex and emotionally taxing experience.

Finally, there are also legal challenges to consider. In India, surrogacy laws are complex and can vary from state to state, making it important to work with a reputable fertility clinic that has experience navigating the legal landscape.

Conclusion;

Altruistic surrogacy can be a good option for couples who are struggling with infertility and who are looking for a way to have a biological child of their own. It offers many benefits, including the ability for intended parents to be actively involved in the pregnancy and birth of their child, and can provide emotional closure for couples who have been struggling with infertility for a long time. However, it is important to carefully consider the challenges involved, including finding a suitable surrogate, managing the emotional impact of the process, and navigating the complex legal landscape. By working with a reputable fertility clinic like Best altruistic Surrogacy Centre in Erode, couples can increase their chances of success and ensure that the surrogacy process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.