Surrogacy Explained: Safe, Legal & Affordable Options

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey that gives hope to individuals and couples who cannot conceive naturally. It allows intended parents to welcome a biological child with the help of a surrogate—a woman who carries and delivers the baby for them. With advancements in medical technology and evolving global laws, surrogacy is becoming an increasingly accessible and emotionally fulfilling path to parenthood.

In this medically enriched guide, we explore everything you need to know about surrogacy: the different types, key differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy, the concept of altruistic surrogacy, legal frameworks in various countries, step-by-step process, costs involved, success rates, and essential insights for both intended parents and surrogates.

Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive method where a surrogate mother agrees to carry and give birth to a baby on behalf of another person or couple. The baby may or may not be genetically related to the surrogate, depending on the type of surrogacy.

Surrogacy is often the chosen path for:

• Couples with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss
• Women with medical conditions preventing safe pregnancy
• LGBTQ+ couples
• Single intended parents

There are several types of surrogacy arrangements, each suited to specific medical, legal, and personal circumstances:

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no biological connection to the baby. An embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.

Here, the surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother. Conception typically happens via intrauterine insemination (IUI). This form is less common today due to legal and emotional complexities.

In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate is not paid for carrying the child. She may be a family member or close friend and only receives reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

This involves financial compensation to the surrogate beyond medical expenses. Commercial surrogacy is allowed in some countries but banned in others due to ethical concerns.

When intended parents seek a surrogate in another country, it’s called international surrogacy. Often driven by cost, legal clarity, or medical reasons, this path comes with additional cross-border legal challenges.

  Feature Traditional Surrogacy Gestational Surrogacy     Egg Source Surrogate’s own egg Intended parent or donor egg   Genetic Link to Surrogate Yes No   Fertilization Method IUI or IVF IVF only   Legal Complexity Higher Lower   Popularity Less common Most widely used     

1. Initial Consultation – Meet fertility experts, discuss your medical history and goals.
2. Medical & Psychological Screening – For both intended parents and surrogate.
3. Legal Contracts – Draft clear legal agreements covering rights, responsibilities, and finances.
4. IVF & Embryo Creation – Eggs and sperm are used to create an embryo in a lab.
5. Embryo Transfer – The embryo is placed in the surrogate’s uterus.
6. Pregnancy Care – The surrogate undergoes regular medical checks until delivery.
7. Birth & Legal Custody – Intended parents are recognized as legal parents.

Surrogacy laws vary significantly:

• Legal in many states, especially for gestational surrogacy
• Both altruistic and commercial models allowed

• Altruistic surrogacy only; no compensation permitted
• Contracts must comply with the Assisted Human Reproduction Act

• Only altruistic surrogacy allowed
• Strict eligibility for Indian married couples only

• Open to foreigners
• Commercial surrogacy legal and widely practiced

• Altruistic surrogacy allowed
• Surrogate is legal mother until parentage order is granted

Country Estimated Cost (USD)     

USA $100,000 – $150,000   

Canada $60,000 – $80,000   

Georgia $35,000 – $55,000   

India $10,500 – $18,000   

Ukraine $40,000 – $60,000   

Mexico $45,000 – $65,000    

• Gestational surrogacy: 60% – 75% per embryo transfer with healthy embryos
• Traditional surrogacy: Slightly lower due to natural insemination methods
• Success improves with younger egg donors and experienced clinic. 

• Understand legal regulations in your country
• Choose a licensed and transparent fertility clinic
• Seek emotional support throughout the journey
• Budget realistically and plan for hidden costs
• Ensure a strong surrogate-intended parent relationship

• Must be in excellent physical and mental health
• Should have completed her own family
• Must be emotionally prepared for separation after birth
• Requires full legal clarity and informed consent

Surrogacy is a medically advanced and emotionally rewarding path to parenthood. Whether you're an intended parent longing for a child or a surrogate offering the gift of life, the process requires thoughtful planning, legal compliance, and mutual trust. As global laws evolve and medical techniques improve, surrogacy continues to offer hope to thousands of families every year.

By understanding each stage of the journey—from medical steps to emotional readiness—you can approach surrogacy with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Looking for a trusted surrogacy guide tailored to your region? Reach out to licensed reproductive specialists and legal experts to begin your journey today.

Surrogacy offers a powerful solution for couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. For many, especially those facing infertility, repeated IVF failure, or medical conditions like uterine abnormalities, surrogacy isn’t just a procedure—it’s a life-changing pdocumeia, once a booming surrogacy hub, now has structured and protective regulations that govern who can access surrogacy and how the process unfolds.

In this detailed and empathetic guide, we’ll walk you through surrogacy laws in India, who is eligible, how to start the process, cost breakdowns, and how to make the journey emotionally and legally smooth. 

Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, which came into effect in 2022 and was updated in 2023, has transformed how surrogacy works in India. It emphasizes ethical practices, emotional safety, and the elimination of commercial exploitation.

• altruistic surrogacy is permitted.
• Commercial surrogacy is banned—no financial compensation outside medical reimbursements.
• Foreigners, single men or women, LGBTQ+ couples, and NRIs are not allowed to pursue surrogacy in India.
• close relatives, married, and have at least one child.
•  ,500 – $11,000 ₹5,50,000 – ₹9,00,000   t govern who can access surrogacy and how the process unfolds.
  
  surrogacy laws in India, who is eligible, how to start the process, cost breakdowns, and how to make the journey emotionally and legally smooth.ouples with documented infertility
• medically justified, not chosen for convenience.

Surrogacy offers a powerful solution for couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. For many, especially those facing infertility, repeated IVF failure, or medical conditions like uterine abnormalities, surrogacy isn’t just a procedure—it’s a life-changing path to parenthood. India, once a booming surrogacy hub, now has structured and protective regulations that govern who can access surrogacy and how the process unfolds.In this detailed and empathetic guide, we’ll walk you through surrogacy laws in India, who is eligible, how to start the process, cost breakdowns, and how to make the journey emotionally and legally smooth.

To pursue surrogacy in India, you must meet the following conditions:

  Requirement Details     Citizenship Both partners must be Indian citizens   Marital Status Legally married for a minimum of 5 years   Age Range Woman: 23–50 years; Man: 26–55 years   Medical Justification Must provide certified proof of infertility or medical risk   Parental Status Must not already have a biological or adopted child (exceptions apply for children with disabilities)     

Not every woman can be a surrogate under the new laws. The surrogate must be:

• married woman between 25–35 years old
• close relative of the intended parents
• mother to at least one biological child
•  for pregnancy
• Not a surrogate more than once in her lifetime

This ensures that surrogates are physically capable, emotionally stable, and have a clear understanding of the process.

Here’s how Indian couples can navigate their surrogacy journey from diagnosis to holding their baby in their arms:

registered fertility specialist at an ART clinic. If conception through traditional IVF or natural means is not possible or risky, the doctor will issue a Certificate of Infertility, which is mandatory.

This step is crucial for legal and ethical approval of your surrogacy journey.

lawyer familiar with reproductive rights and surrogacy law. You’ll need to prepare documents like:

• Marriage certificate
• Aadhar/PAN for ID verification
• Proof of age
• Medical reports
• Affidavit of altruistic intent

surrogacy agreement is clear, enforceable, and within legal boundaries.

cannot hire a surrogate through agencies or strangers. The surrogate must be a close family member. She must also consent in writing and pass all necessary psychological, gynecological, and hormonal assessments.

Note: This is often the most sensitive step emotionally. Transparent communication within the family is essential.

State ART & Surrogacy Board. They will:

• Verify documents
• Approve the surrogate
• Issue a formal certificate to begin medical treatment

legally compliant before the embryo transfer begins.

The couple undergoes IVF using:

• Their own or donor eggs/sperm
• The embryo is fertilized and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus

registered ART clinics, under strict supervision of licensed fertility doctors and embryologists.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will:

• monthly checkups and routine scans
• Be monitored for gestational health
• Be reimbursed for any expenses
• health insurance for 36 months

Emotional support and respect for the surrogate are vital during this stage.

At delivery:

• birth certificate listing the intended parents
• The surrogate signs post-birth agreements
• No adoption is required

From this moment on, the intended parents are recognized as the legal guardians of the baby.

Challenge Helpful Advice     

Finding a qualified surrogate Speak with family early and educate them compassionately   

Long approval process Start documentation ahead of time and follow up regularly   

High IVF costs Choose reputable ART clinics with transparent pricing   

Emotional ups and downs Join infertility support groups or speak with a therapist   

Travel and legal complexity Work only with licensed clinics and ART board-approved paths