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.