SURROGACY RULES CHANGED TO ALLOW DONOR GAMETE FOR COUPLES WITH MEDICAL ISSUE
Why in the news?
- The Centre modifies surrogacy rules, now allowing the use of donor gametes (egg or sperm) for “intending couples” with a medical condition, based on a District Medical Board certification.
- The change follows the Supreme Court’s approval for a woman with Mayer Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome to undergo surrogacy using a donor egg.
About Donor Gametes and Age:
- Rule change in surrogacy allows donor gametes for “intending couple.”
- Introduced in 2023, the rule previously mandated both egg and sperm from the couple.
- Recent amendment considers age-related fertility issues, benefiting older women opting for surrogacy.
- Health experts commend the move, addressing concerns and offering alternatives for older women.
What is surrogacy?
· Arrangement where a woman (surrogate) carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple (intended parent/s). · Surrogate, or gestational carrier, conceives, carries, and delivers the child on behalf of the intended parent/s. Altruistic Surrogacy: ● Involves no monetary compensation, only covers medical expenses and insurance during pregnancy. Commercial Surrogacy: ● Includes surrogacy for monetary gain beyond basic medical expenses and insurance coverage. |