Surrogacy In India: A Changing Landscape

Parenthood is a beautiful and life-changing journey for most of us. This everlasting bliss may be challenging to attain for some. However, with advanced medical technology and modern science, many young couples in India have achieved the dream of parenthood.

India witnessed a change in the parenthood landscape with multiple options available for couples who desire parenthood like surrogacy.

The practice of surrogacy is not new in India, it was introduced in the year 1978. However, the lack of strict and proper laws around the same led to unhealthy practices. Even though commercial surrogacy was made legal, the lack of clear laws made it difficult to regulate surrogacy.

The availability of low-cost fertility clinics and a large number of underprivileged women volunteered as surrogate mothers. This led to a rising number of surrogacy cases in India, mostly foreigners would fly from the West in search of their surrogate mother.

Remember the 2021 hit movie Mimi, which touched on the same concept?

Surrogacy In Health Insurance

In a welcoming change, IRDAI announced that health insurance companies in India will cover surrogacy as per the laws defined in the 'Surrogacy Act, 2012' and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, (ART), 2021.

• According to sections 4(iii)a(III) of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, the surrogate mother is entitled to the health insurance coverage amount that covers post-partum health complications for 36 months from an IRDAI-certified insurer or agent.
• The IRDAI circular also includes Section 22(1)(b) of the ART Act, 2021, which states that insurance cover for the oocyte donor* will be provided by the commissioning couple or woman by an IRDAI-recognized insurer or agent.
• IRDAI also mentions rule 12 of the ART rules which states that the general insurance purchased by the covering the oocyte donor should be enough to cover all expenses related to complications arising during oocyte retrieval.
• IRDAI urges all health insurance companies to provide suitable health insurance plans concerning the requirements mentioned in the acts mentioned above.

*An oocyte donor is a woman who donates her eggs to another individual or couple for Assistive Reproduction.

What Is Surrogacy?

Before we move any further let us understand what surrogacy is. It is the process wherein the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother that carries the pregnancy throughout the 9 months. There are many reasons why a couple opts for surrogacy.

There are two kinds of surrogacy:

1. Traditional surrogate

   A woman who has healthy eggs is artificially inseminated with the father's sperm. A traditional surrogate then carries the baby and delivers it for a couple to raise. The biological mother of the baby is the surrogate mother as it was her egg that was fertilized.

2. Gestational surrogate

   In-vitro fertilization is utilized in the case of a gestational surrogate. The in-vitro fertilization process gathers eggs from the biological mother and fertilizes them with the sperm from the father outside the body. Later the fertilized embryo is placed into the uterus of a gestational surrogate.

The surrogate then gives birth to the baby and does not have any genetic connection with the child born.

List of Health Plans Covering Surrogacy

Here is a list of health insurance plans that cover surrogacy:

Benefits Of Surrogacy Insurance

The multiple benefits of investing in a health insurance plan that covers surrogacy are listed below:

1. Sharing the financial burden

   Yes, surrogacy is an effective method for couples who want to be parents but finds it expensive. The average cost of having an offspring with the help of surrogacy will cost you anywhere between 18 to 20 Lakhs.

   Bearing the cost out of pocket can put a strain on your finances, which is why it is best to invest in surrogacy health insurance.

2. Stress-free Experience

   Having surrogacy insurance will help you go through the process without any stress. You can access the best hospitals and doctors to gain the best medical advice and care.

3. Pre and Post-natal healthcare

   Investing in health insurance that covers surrogacy will offer the surrogate mother with the required pre and post-natal care essential for the health of both child and mother

4. Delivery Cover

   Most maternity plans that cover surrogacy will also cover delivery expenses, both C-section and Normal delivery. You do not have to worry about any such maternity expenses.

Wrapping It Up

There are many misconceptions about surrogate motherhood. However, do not let the lack of awareness steal from you the joy of parenthood. A lot of stigma surrounding the topic of surrogacy stems from a lack of awareness and education. However, it is one of the safest and best alternative methods for you if you want to be a parent and are unable to fulfil that dream due to medical limitations.

With the government regulating laws around surrogacy, it has become accessible to many couples in India. Health insurance companies are designing robust health insurance plans keeping in mind the various ways in which women want to embrace motherhood. To fulfil your dream of parenthood, reach out to our insurance experts at PolicyX