Altruistic Surrogacy: Facts, Myths, and History

Altruistic Surrogacy: Facts, Myths, and History

Altruistic surrogacy is a growing fertility option for many families worldwide, including in India, where surrogacy laws have evolved to encourage ethical practices. In this blog, we'll delve into the key facts, dispel common myths, and explore the history of altruistic surrogacy to help you gain a better understanding of this compassionate fertility choice.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for intended parents without any financial compensation beyond covering medical and insurance expenses. Unlike commercial surrogacy, where surrogates are paid for their services, altruistic surrogacy is driven by the selfless desire to help another family.

Key Facts About Altruistic Surrogacy:

Legal in India: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2021 legalized altruistic surrogacy in India, banning commercial surrogacy. Under this law, only close relatives can act as surrogates, and no financial benefit is permitted beyond necessary medical and insurance expenses.

Eligibility: Intended parents must be Indian citizens, married for at least five years, and fall within a certain age range. The surrogate must be a close relative, a mother herself, and in good emotional and physical health.

Ethical Framework: Altruistic surrogacy is regarded as a more ethical alternative because it removes the profit motive, centering the arrangement around compassion and family support.

Surrogate Rights: The updated surrogacy laws in India protect surrogate mothers from exploitation, ensuring they receive proper care and support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Common Myths About Altruistic Surrogacy:

Myth 1: Altruistic Surrogacy is Only for the Wealthy

This misconception arises from high-profile altruistic surrogacy cases involving celebrities. However, surrogacy costs vary widely, depending on factors such as medical procedures, agency fees, and insurance coverage. Many families manage surrogacy within their budget through careful planning and assistance programs.

Myth 2: Women Choose Altruistic Surrogacy to Preserve Their Figure

This myth is far from the truth. The majority of women who opt for surrogacy face fertility issues, making it a medical necessity rather than a cosmetic choice. Altruistic surrogacy offers them the opportunity to become parents when natural conception or pregnancy is not possible.

Myth 3: It’s Hard to Bond with a Baby Born via Altruistic Surrogacy

While pregnancy can create a unique bond, studies show that intended parents form strong emotional connections with their babies soon after birth. Immediate skin-to-skin contact and other bonding practices help parents develop close ties with their newborns.

Myth 4: The Surrogate Will Want to Keep the Baby

This concern is understandable, but surrogates undergo thorough psychological and legal screening to ensure they are fully committed to the arrangement. Contracts are also in place to protect the rights of all parties, and the surrogate understands the child belongs to the intended parents.

Myth 5: The Surrogate is Always the Biological Mother

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries the child but is not biologically related. The embryo is created using the intended parents' (or donors') sperm and egg. In traditional surrogacy, however, the surrogate provides her own egg, making her the biological mother. Most modern surrogacy arrangements use the gestational method.

The History of Altruistic Surrogacy:

The concept of surrogacy has evolved over time, with the first legal surrogacy agreement documented in 1976 by lawyer Noel Keane. He arranged a traditional surrogacy without compensation, later using this experience to establish an infertility center.

The famous “Baby M” case in 1984 marked a pivotal moment in surrogacy history. Bill and Betsy Stern hired Mary Beth Whitehead as a surrogate, paying her $10,000. However, Whitehead refused to relinquish the child after birth, sparking a legal battle that reshaped surrogacy laws in the U.S.

In India, commercial surrogacy was legalized in 2005, leading to a boom in international surrogacy arrangements. However, concerns over exploitation prompted the government to shift focus towards altruistic surrogacy, culminating in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill of 2021.

Countries Where Surrogacy is Legal:

Countries that permit surrogacy under specific regulations include:

• Australia
• Canada
• India
• Greece
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Israel
• Laos
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Thailand
• South Africa
• UK
• USA

Final Thoughts:

Altruistic surrogacy represents a compassionate and legally protected way for families to grow. Rooted in India’s cultural and legal framework, it provides a balanced approach that benefits both the surrogate and the intended parents.

If you’re considering altruistic surrogacy or exploring fertility options, reach out to New World Fertility Centre in Delhi. Our experienced team offers expert guidance to help you navigate your journey toward parenthood.

FAQ

1. What is altruistic surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is when a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for intended parents without receiving any financial compensation beyond covering medical and insurance expenses. Unlike commercial surrogacy, which involves payment for services, altruistic surrogacy is motivated by a desire to help others.

2. Is altruistic surrogacy legal in India?

Yes, altruistic surrogacy is legal in India under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2021. This law prohibits commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates, with no financial gain permitted except for medical and insurance expenses.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for intended parents and surrogates in India?

Intended parents must be Indian citizens, married for at least five years, and within a specific age range. The surrogate must be a close relative, have her own children, and be in good emotional and physical health.

4. What are the ethical considerations of altruistic surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is considered more ethical than commercial surrogacy because it removes the financial incentive, focusing instead on the emotional and humanitarian aspects of helping another family.

5. How are surrogate mothers protected under the law?

The new laws in India protect surrogate mothers by ensuring they are not exploited. They receive necessary support and care throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period, safeguarding their well-being.