Hyderabad: Compensatory surrogacy, and not altruistic surrogacy, was recommended by the Telangana infertility specialists in their discussion and debate at the conference of Indian Fertility Society’s Telangana Chapter on Sunday.
The central government, in its amendment of Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2016, has stated that commercial surrogacy is prohibited and there must be a 16-month insurance coverage provided by the commissioning parents to the surrogate to deal with medical complications. The Founder of IFS, Dr Kuldeep Jain, explained, “Altruistic surrogacy is not possible as, with nuclear families and with near and dear ones not being in the same city, it is not found to be possible. There is only 1 per cent chance for this type of surrogacy as only someone who is really very concerned, free and can do it selflessly for the couple will come forward.”
Clinical practice in India shows that surrogacy in registered clinics accounts for only 5 per cent of the cases. Dr Alia Reddy, senior infertility specialist, explained, “The evolving society shows that the willingness for altruistic surrogacy is very, very less. Even relatives expect compensation or gain for going through the pain. The present surrogates who are coming forward for commercial benefit have a need and that defines their case for renting out the womb. Hence, there is a need for compensation along with insurance cover for the surrogate who is assured of medical assistance.”
Doctors insist that there must be strict guidelines as surrogacy must not be seen as a tool of convenience for celebrities and must be based strictly on medical indications. Dr Roya Rozati, IFS Secretary of Telangana chapter, explained “The debate in the fertility centres is important as those who are practicing require clarity and transparency from the authorities. The commissioning parents, surrogate, child and even the doctor have to be legally protected. We need clear instructions at the central and state levels to evolve an ethical practice where the childless couple can reap the benefit of surrogacy.”
