Surrogacy Process: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents in India
Starting a family is a dream for many couples, but for some, natural pregnancy is not medically possible. In such cases, the surrogacy process becomes a hopeful and meaningful path to parenthood. While the term “surrogacy” may sound complex or intimidating, the process itself follows clear medical, legal, and emotional steps designed to keep everyone safe and supported.
What Is the Surrogacy Process?
The surrogacy process is a medical and legal arrangement where another woman, called a surrogate mother, carries a baby for intended parents. The baby is born for the intended parents, who become the legal and biological parents after birth.
In most modern cases, gestational surrogacy is used. In other words, the surrogate does not use her own egg. Instead, an embryo is created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents (or donors, if needed) through IVF and placed into the surrogate’s uterus.
In simple terms, the surrogacy process includes:
- Medical evaluation
- IVF treatment
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy care
- Delivery of the baby
Each step is carefully planned and monitored to ensure safety, health, and transparency.
Who Can Opt for Surrogacy in India?
Not everyone needs or qualifies for surrogacy. In India, the surrogacy process is meant for people who have genuine medical reasons for being unable to carry a pregnancy.
Surrogacy may be an option for:
- Women without a uterus
- Women with repeated IVF failure
- Women with serious illnesses that increase the likelihood of pregnancy
- Couples facing recurrent miscarriages
- Certain infertility conditions where pregnancy is unsafe
Indian law allows surrogacy only for medical necessity, not for convenience or personal preference.
Who Is Legally Eligible for the Surrogacy Process in India?
According to Indian regulations, only specific individuals are allowed to opt for surrogacy.
Eligibility of Intended Parents
- Married heterosexual couples
- Indian citizens
- Couples with proof of infertility or medical conditions
Eligibility of the Surrogate Mother
- She must be a married woman
- She needs to have at least one child of her own who is healthy
- She must be medically and psychologically fit
- She can act as a surrogate only once
All legal approvals are completed before starting the surrogacy process to protect the surrogate, the baby, and the parents.
What Are the Steps in the Surrogacy Process?
The steps in the surrogacy process follow a clear and organised path. While timelines may vary, the structure usually remains similar.
Medical Evaluation and Counselling
Both intended parents and the surrogate undergo medical tests. These include blood tests, hormone evaluations, scans, and fitness checks. Psychological counselling is also provided to make sure everyone understands the emotional aspects of surrogacy.
Legal Documentation
Legal agreements are prepared and reviewed. These documents clearly state:
- Parental rights
- Responsibilities of the surrogate
- Medical and insurance arrangements
This step ensures legal safety for all parties.
IVF and Embryo Creation
Eggs and sperm are collected and fertilised in the lab using IVF. The healthiest embryo is selected for transfer.
Embryo Transfer to Surrogate
The embryo is gently transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. This is a painless medical procedure.
Pregnancy Care and Monitoring
Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives regular antenatal care, scans, and medical support.
Delivery and Parenthood
Get expert support for the surrogacy process with ethical care and personalised treatment.
How Long Does the Entire Surrogacy Process Take?
The complete surrogacy process timeline usually takes 12 to 18 months.
- Medical tests and legal approvals: 2–3 months
- IVF and embryo transfer: 1–2 months
- Pregnancy: around 9 months
Delays can happen if extra IVF cycles are required or if legal documentation takes longer. However, fertility centres guide families throughout the journey to reduce stress and uncertainty.
Average Cost of Surrogacy in India
The average cost of surrogacy in India varies based on medical needs and treatment complexity.
Costs may include:
- IVF procedures
- Surrogate medical care
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Legal documentation
- Hospital delivery
- Medications and tests
Overall, surrogacy in India is more affordable compared to many other countries, while still maintaining high medical standards.
Is Commercial Surrogacy Allowed in India?
No. Commercial surrogacy is not allowed in India.
Only altruistic surrogacy is legal. This means the surrogate is not paid money for carrying the baby. However, her medical expenses, insurance, and pregnancy-related care are fully covered.
This rule protects women from exploitation and ensures surrogacy remains an ethical medical practice.
Can We Choose the Surrogate?
Under current Indian regulations, intended parents cannot freely choose a surrogate from a list or database.
Most often:
- The surrogate is a close relative
- She meets legal and medical guidelines
- The clinic ensures suitability and safety
The focus is on ethical practice and medical suitability rather than selection preferences.
What Is the Surrogacy Success Rate?
The surrogacy success rate depends mainly on IVF success.
Factors that affect success include:
- Age and health of the egg provider
- Embryo quality
- Uterine health of the surrogate
- Medical expertise of the fertility centre
On average, gestational surrogacy has a high success rate, often higher than standard IVF because the surrogate is carefully screened for a healthy uterus.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects of the Surrogacy Process
Surrogacy is not just a medical journey, it is also an emotional one.
Intended parents may feel:
- Anxiety while waiting
- Fear of failure
- Deep hope and excitement
Surrogates may experience emotional attachment and physical stress. Counselling and emotional support play a very important role throughout the process, helping everyone stay mentally healthy and confident.
Why Choose Lifeline IVF Hospital Panvel for the Surrogacy Process?
Lifeline IVF Panvel is known for providing ethical, transparent, and medically advanced care throughout the surrogacy process.
IVF, prenatal care, and fertility testing are all carefully supervised by the facility’s qualified reproductive specialists. Each surrogacy plan is created based on medical needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Clear explanations are provided in simple language so intended parents always understand what is happening and why.
The hospital follows Indian surrogacy laws strictly, ensuring legal safety, ethical practice, and medical security for both surrogate mothers and intended parents. Advanced IVF laboratories, modern technology, and personalised monitoring help improve outcomes while maintaining comfort and dignity for everyone involved.
Conclusion
The surrogacy process is a life-changing journey built on science, care, and trust. While it may seem complicated at first, breaking it down step by step makes it much easier to understand. From medical evaluations and IVF to legal approvals and childbirth, every stage exists to protect the baby, the surrogate, and the intended parents.
With expert guidance, ethical practices, and emotional support, surrogacy becomes a safe and hopeful path to parenthood. Choosing the right fertility centre ensures the journey feels clear, supported, and as stress-free as possible.
FAQs
What is the surrogacy process?
The surrogacy process involves another woman carrying a baby for intended parents through IVF and medical care.
Is surrogacy legal in India?
Yes, altruistic surrogacy is legal under strict guidelines.
How long does surrogacy take?
Usually 12–18 months from evaluation to delivery.
Can intended parents choose the surrogate?
Selection is regulated and based on medical and legal eligibility.
Is surrogacy safe?
Yes, when done at a trusted fertility centre with proper medical and legal supervision.
Take the First Step Toward Building Your Family
The surrogacy process is a journey of hope, care, and trust. At Lifeline IVF Panvel, we provide complete medical, legal, and emotional guidance at every stage.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s begin your journey to parenthood together.
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