Surrogacy Surge and its Gradual Acceptance in India’s Society
Surrogacy
can become an issue depending on a country’s culture. Some countries may be
more accepting of the idea of surrogacy while some tend to shy away from this
matter due to their cultural beliefs. Basically, surrogacy means that a woman
carries to deliver a child for another couple of another person. There are
situations wherein traditional surrogacy occurs wherein the genetic mother is
the one that carries and delivers the child and there is also, what we call
commercial surrogacy wherein monetary
compensation aside from the medical expenses is given to the surrogate. This
type of surrogacy tends to meet varying reactions from different countries.
Surrogacy in India
In
countries like India, they used to not be so accepting of surrogacy. However as
the years pass by, they eventually tend to be more open to the idea of
gestational surrogacy. This means that the surrogate mother helps a couple by
“lending” her womb for the development of the child. India’s law also requires
that at least one of the receiving parent should be genetically related to the
child, meaning that the sperm or ovum that would be used should come either
from the father or from a mother who will take care of the child once
delivered. This is the only type of surrogacy that is considered legal in
India.
The
question on why people lean towards the idea of surrogacy is mainly because of
physiological issues. Some female may be infertile or has some health issues
that are considered risky to handle pregnancy. There are also cases wherein
couples who had children before but cannot bear any more children consider
surrogacy as a solution.
India as the Global Hub of Commercial Surrogacy
The
spread of surrogacy in India was strengthened through its legalization in the
year 2002. More and more surrogacy centers in India are founded and cater to
patients not only from the country but also even from foreign countries. Other
legalities and formalities in order to be approved for a commercial surrogacy
should be undergone before the actual process. This gradual increase in the
number of support centers for surrogacy and even surrogate mothers has led to the
gradual acceptance of the local people. More and more people resorted to
surrogacy in order to overcome their problems of having childbirth. India
became more known as a country that caters even to foreigners who have problems
having children of their own.
Acceptance
is also manifested by the laws passed that cater to the needs and rights of
surrogate mothers and even the patients. Contracts and financial supports are
carefully decided on and which will benefit both sides. The government also
encourages a surrogate mother to have a biological child of her own so it would
be easier for her to give up the child she is bearing to the intended parents.
The government also imposes that a surrogate mother can only undergo five
pregnancies, including which the pregnancies for her own child. The law also
states that only women from 21 to 35 years of age are allowed to be surrogate
mothers.
The
development of the medical field of India to improve this type of service also
serves as evidence that more people are beginning to accept what used to be
seen as a stigma in their country. Most medical advances whether in machines or
drugs are being constantly improved in order to be more receptive to the needs
of the patients as well as the mothers.
Surrogacy is an interesting subject. I personally couldn't do it or would want to have it done for me but I think it's good that India is becoming more accepting of it because if it's something someone feels is right for them and their family, they should have the option and not feel ashamed.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting.. I had no idea India was so against surrogacy before. Such rules! I have no idea what the specifics are in USA, but I imagine they aren't as strict.
ReplyDeleteI think that surrogacy can be a controversial issue in many places. A lot of would be parents can't fathom a complete stranger carrying their child. I'm glad that the people of India are maintaining an open mind about this topic.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how I feel about Surrogacy. I guess if both parties that are involved have no problems with it, what should I care. Personally, if I carried a child for 9 months, I would have a very hard time giving it up.
ReplyDeleteIf properly monitored by laws surrogacy can help infertile couples have a child which they really want but can not for whatever reason. I tend to agree with this concept but have trouble with the surrogate getting paid "extra" to have the child--there are many children out there who need desperately to be adopted.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about adopting children
DeleteThis was a great post, iI like to learn new info especially from different places around the world
ReplyDeleteI think being a surrogate is hard no matter what. I personally cannot imagine carrying a baby for 9 months and then just handing it over to someone else.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never really knew about this - new learning here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAS always, I enjoy your posts and learning more about the Indian culture. I am glad to see surrogacy is becoming more accepted.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting article. Surogracy can be quite contraversial as many people have different views on it. I personally believe, to each his own.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone who has used or been a surrogate, but I sympathize with those who do. While there are children waiting to be adopted, the process can be very difficult and expensive, and depending on where you live, the laws might allow the birth parents to reclaim custody years after the adoption is finalized. At least surrogacy draws a firm line of custody from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally it would be EXTREMELY hard to give away a baby I carried in my belly for 9 months. It's interesting to see how they are urging moms to have a baby of their own first to make it easier the 2nd time. I don't see how it would be easier.
ReplyDeleteI think surrgacy is a wonderful thing for people who cannot otherwise have children. Of course some choose it because of vanity reasons or because their lives are too busy to take maternity leave as well.
ReplyDeleteI do think the adoption rules can make it hard for people to turn to surragacy over adoption because adoption can take 2-3 years for most people and is a lot more expensive. For a person in the US to adopt a child from India it will cost around $35,000. For them to do surrgacy, the cost is around a third of that... and they can even try for twins to save some costs.
I think it's great that some people are surrogates for couples that can't have children. I don't know if I could ever do that, though, because I know I developed such a great bond with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post.. I had no idea that India is/was against Surrogacy.. come to think, Germany doesn't allow it either, or at least they didn't when I left... I think it's soo cool and will help sooo many families, for me on the other hand I don;t know if I could do it...
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post as I was not aware of surrogacy issues in India. As Americans we are never aware of the freedoms we are given.
ReplyDeleteI think surrogacy is an awesome option for people whoare having fertility problems.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning more about India from this post. I have a friend who was a surrogate for her sister and brother in law. They couldn't carry to full term. I believe it was the best thing for the family. If it wasn't her sister, I don't think she would have chosen to do it and probably would have tried adoption.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about this. I have only looked into surrogacy in the US when we were having trouble conceiving.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize it wasn't acceptable before. I'm glad women there who are suffering from fertility issues now have the option.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that it's becoming more of a topic in India! I didn't know what a big controversy it was in other countries. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSurrogacy is a good option if you can find people who are willing to work with you. There are plenty of issues about infertility and not being able to conceive properly and if you can find a surrogate then that's awesome.
ReplyDeleteSurrogacy is sure a confusing subject. It is illegal here in South Africa to commercialize it. Beyond that I just have no opinions about it.
ReplyDeleteSurrogacy is such an interesting subject. I think it is good in certain circumstances when a couple wants to have a child that is their blood but the woman can't carry the child.
ReplyDeleteI love this post very informative and this is the first time that I heard the Surrogacy
ReplyDeleteI don't have any idea on surrogacy but I'm so glad that you share this information with us
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine started a commercial surrogacy match up business. She finds women who are willing to "lend" their womb to a family who wants to have a child but can't. I had no idea that other countries were against this. I had never heard of that before.
ReplyDeleteSurrogacy is such an amazing gift to give parents who can't have their own children. I'm glad to see India expanding their approval of this practice, and hope it helps many women who can't carry their own child.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fascinating read! I had no idea there was such a stigma attached to surrogacy.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read! There are a lot of children in this world that are looking to be adopted though.
ReplyDelete