Fertility issues are prevalent in many couples worldwide. In some cases, they resort to surrogacy as a means of having a child. Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries and delivers a baby for another couple or individual. Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy where the surrogate mother does not receive any monetary compensation. Instead, she carries the child out of kindness and altruism, usually for a close friend or family member. This paper discusses the concept of altruistic surrogacy, including its advantages and disadvantages, the ethical considerations, and the legal status in the Best altruistic Surrogacy Centre in Hamirpur, India.

Advantages of Altruistic Surrogacy:

Altruistic surrogacy has several benefits. First, it is a cost-effective option for couples who cannot afford commercial surrogacy. Surrogacy can be an expensive process, and by eliminating the need for financial compensation, altruistic surrogacy can make the process more accessible.

Second, altruistic surrogacy allows the surrogate mother to experience the joy of giving life to a child without any financial pressure or obligation. The act of giving birth is an incredible experience, and altruistic surrogacy allows women to share this experience with others.

Third, altruistic surrogacy is often a more emotionally rewarding experience for all parties involved. The surrogate mother is more likely to develop a bond with the child and the intended parents, as there is a personal connection between them.

Disadvantages of Altruistic Surrogacy:

There are also several disadvantages to altruistic surrogacy. First, finding a suitable surrogate can be challenging. In most cases, the surrogate is a close friend or family member, but not everyone has someone in their life who is willing to carry their child.

Second, the surrogate mother may experience emotional and physical challenges during the pregnancy. Although altruistic surrogacy is a voluntary arrangement, the surrogate may experience stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort during the pregnancy.

Finally, there is the risk of legal complications. Altruistic surrogacy is not legally recognized in all countries, and in some cases, the surrogate mother may have legal rights to the child after birth. This can lead to a protracted legal battle that can be emotionally and financially draining for all parties involved.

Ethical Considerations:

Altruistic surrogacy raises several ethical considerations. One of the main concerns is the exploitation of women. Critics argue that altruistic surrogacy perpetuates the notion that women’s bodies are mere vessels for procreation, and that they should be expected to carry a child for someone else without compensation. However, supporters of altruistic surrogacy argue that women have agency and should be allowed to make their own decisions about their bodies.

Another ethical consideration is the welfare of the child. Critics argue that children born through surrogacy may experience identity and attachment issues, as they may not know their biological mother. However, supporters of surrogacy argue that children born through surrogacy have loving parents who wanted them desperately and will provide them with a safe and nurturing environment.

Legal Status in Hamirpur, India:

In India, commercial surrogacy was banned in 2018, but altruistic surrogacy is still legal. According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, altruistic surrogacy is only allowed for Indian couples who have been married for at least five years and are medically certified as infertile. Foreign nationals, single parents, and homosexual couples are not allowed to pursue surrogacy in India.

Conclusion:

Altruistic surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where a woman carries a baby for someone else without receiving any financial compensation. The purpose of altruistic surrogacy is to help couples and individuals who are unable to have children on their own due to medical reasons or other factors.