Donor gametes are allowed: what the new rule on surrogacy says
- The Central government’s recent modifications to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022 reflect a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding surrogacy practices in India.
Key Amendments
- The amended rules allow couples certified with medical conditions to use donor gametes for surrogacy, provided at least one gamete originates from the intending couple.
- The amendment allows surrogacy using donor gametes under specific medical conditions, as certified by the District Medical Board.
- Single women, including widows and divorcees, are mandated to use self-eggs and donor sperm for surrogacy, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Significance of Amendment
- The relaxation facilitates surrogacy for older women and those with medical conditions hindering egg production.
- Previously banned, the use of donor eggs and sperm is now permitted, addressing infertility issues in intending couples.
- Experts hail the amendment for its positive impact on surrogacy accessibility.
Intended Recipients of Surrogacy
- Surrogacy primarily targets women with missing or abnormal uteruses, failed IVF attempts, or conditions endangering pregnancy.
- Doctors highlight thin endometrial layers and missing or abnormal uterus as a key factor necessitating surrogacy.
- But experts caution against unnecessary surrogacy, citing potential complications
- Such as immune system inheritance and nutritional disparities affecting the child's long-term health.