I want to explore third-party reproduction in India

Third-party reproduction – donor egg, donor sperm, donor embryo, or surrogacy – is sometimes the path that finally works after own-gamete IVF has not. India’s legal framework changed substantially in 2021 and is more restrictive than it once was. Here is how to enter the conversation today.

Knowing your options under current law

The ART (Regulation) Act 2021 and Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 govern third-party reproduction. Donor egg, donor sperm, and donor embryo are permitted altruistically through registered ART banks. Surrogacy is restricted to Indian married couples with documented medical indication, requires a “close relative” surrogate aged 25 to 35, and prohibits commercial payment. Foreign nationals and same-sex couples are not eligible. Single Indian women aged 35 to 45 (divorced or widowed) have specific carve-outs.

What changes when gametes are not yours

The legal child is yours from birth – that is unambiguous. The genetic relationship is what shifts, and the conversations around disclosure, family, and future questions from the child are real work. Most fertility centres now offer or mandate counselling before donor or surrogacy cycles, and where they do not, requesting it is reasonable.

The financial picture

Donor sperm cycles add roughly Rs 30,000 to 80,000 per attempt over the IUI or IVF base. Donor egg cycles range Rs 1.8 to 4 lakh per cycle. Donor embryo cycles, paradoxically, are often cheaper than donor egg because there is no donor stimulation cost. Surrogacy is the most expensive path, typically Rs 15 to 25 lakh with the legal surrogacy framework, plus mandated post-delivery insurance.

Questions worth asking your doctor

• Given our diagnosis, which third-party path is most appropriate, and why?
• What screening, legal, and counselling steps are required at this clinic?
• What is the realistic cost and timeline from registration to live birth?
• What information about the donor will we receive, and how is anonymity preserved?

This essay is educational. Every patient’s situation is different – the right plan is shaped in conversation with a fertility specialist who knows the full picture.