Surrogacy Process in India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents
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Surrogacy Process in India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents

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    August 2, 2025 Vardaan Medical Center 7 min read Infertility
    Surrogacy in India offers hope to couples struggling with infertility. The importance rises especially when other fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI have not been successful. Governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only altruistic surrogacy is legal in India for eligible Indian couples.  This guide is designed to help intended parents understand the step-by-step surrogacy process in India from legal eligibility to childbirth. At Vardaan Hospital, a trusted name in fertility care, our expert team has guided hundreds of families through successful IVF, ICSI, and surrogacy journeys with compassion and medical excellence. Whether you're exploring surrogacy in Jalandhar for the first time or seeking a reliable partner to support your journey, this guide will simplify every stage of the process for you.

    What is Surrogacy?

    Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for intended parents who are unable to conceive. There are two types: traditional and gestational. In India, only gestational surrogacy is legal, where the surrogate has no genetic link to the child. The process is governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which permits only altruistic surrogacy done without financial compensation.  As per the law, only Indian heterosexual married couples (married for at least five years) facing proven infertility are eligible. Surrogacy for singles, foreigners, and same-sex couples is not allowed. Always consult certified fertility experts like Vardaan Hospital to ensure full legal and medical compliance.

    Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process in India

    The surrogacy journey in India involves multiple legal, medical, and emotional steps. Here’s a clear breakdown of the entire process, guided by the expert team at Vardaan Hospital.

    Step 1 – Initial Consultation & Fertility Assessment

    The surrogacy journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Vardaan Hospital, where our fertility specialists evaluate the medical history of the intended parents. A series of fertility tests are conducted to confirm the underlying cause of infertility. Based on the results, the couple is guided through available treatment options such as IVF or ICSI. If surrogacy is deemed suitable, the process proceeds with detailed planning and medical preparation.

    Step 2 – Understanding Legal Requirements

    Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding surrogacy in India. The intended parents must meet specific eligibility criteria: they must be an Indian heterosexual married couple, married for at least five years, and medically certified as infertile. Required documents include age and marriage proof, medical certificates, and Indian citizenship documentation. Vardaan Hospital assists throughout this legal verification process.

    Step 3 – Counseling & Consent

    Both the intended parents and the surrogate mother must undergo mandatory psychological and legal counseling. This ensures they are fully aware of the rights, responsibilities, and implications of surrogacy. Following counseling, informed consent forms are signed by all parties involved to proceed ethically and transparently.

    Step 4 – Surrogate Screening & Matching

    The surrogate mother is selected based on strict medical and personal criteria, including age (typically 25–35 years), good health, and a successful history of at least one natural childbirth. Vardaan Hospital's expert team performs detailed screenings physical, psychological, and legal to ensure the surrogate is fully eligible and emotionally prepared for the process.

    Step 5 – IVF & Embryo Transfer

    Once the surrogate is selected, the IVF process begins. Eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, if needed are used to create embryos in a laboratory. A healthy embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus after optimal preparation. Vardaan Hospital follows strict clinical protocols to maximize implantation success.

    Step 6 – Pregnancy Monitoring

    After embryo transfer, the surrogate’s pregnancy is closely monitored through regular check-ups, diagnostic scans, and routine lab tests at Vardaan Hospital. The surrogate receives full medical, emotional, and nutritional support throughout the pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

    Step 7 – Delivery & Legal Handover

    The baby is delivered at Vardaan Hospital or a partnered medical facility equipped for maternity care. Following birth, the hospital facilitates the legal transfer of parental rights to the intended couple. The child’s birth certificate is issued with the names of the intended parents, and all required legal documentation and postnatal care are coordinated by Vardaan’s dedicated surrogacy team.

    Average Cost of Surrogacy in India

    The cost of surrogacy in India typically ranges between ₹12 to ₹18 lakhs, depending on medical needs, legal processes, and additional services required. This cost usually covers IVF procedures, medications, surrogate care, legal documentation, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery charges. At Vardaan Hospital, we maintain complete transparency throughout the process there are no hidden fees or surprise costs. Every intended parent receives a clear, itemized breakdown of expenses and guidance on financial planning. Our goal is to make surrogacy accessible, ethical, and stress-free while ensuring the highest standard of care for both the surrogate and the intended parents.

    Who Can Legally Opt For Surrogacy?

    According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only Indian heterosexual married couples can legally opt for surrogacy. The couple must be married for at least five years and must have a certified medical infertility condition. The wife should be between 23–50 years and the husband between 26–55 years. Both must be Indian citizens. Surrogacy is not permitted for foreign nationals, unmarried individuals, same-sex couples, or those already having a surviving biological or adopted child, with some exceptions for disabled children. Vardaan Hospital ensures all intended parents meet legal and ethical eligibility before beginning the process.

    Is Commercial Surrogacy Allowed?

    No, commercial surrogacy is strictly prohibited in India under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, meaning the surrogate mother cannot receive monetary compensation beyond medical expenses and insurance coverage. The law aims to prevent exploitation and ensure the surrogate’s welfare. At Vardaan Hospital, we strictly adhere to legal and ethical guidelines. All surrogates undergo proper screening and provide informed consent, with all costs related to pregnancy, delivery, and healthcare fully covered by the intended parents. There is no exchange of money beyond what the law permits for medical and care-related needs.

    What is The Surrogacy Success Rate?

    The success rate of surrogacy in India depends largely on the age and fertility health of the intended parents, especially the quality of eggs and sperm used. On average, the surrogacy success rate ranges from 60% to 75% per cycle when using IVF with a healthy surrogate. With frozen embryos or donor gametes, success rates may vary. At Vardaan Hospital, our use of advanced IVF techniques, experienced embryologists, and rigorous surrogate screening ensures high success rates, often above industry standards. We customize every treatment plan to maximize outcomes, giving intended parents the best possible chance of achieving a successful pregnancy.

    Can We Choose The Surrogate?

    Intended parents do not personally “choose” a surrogate in India, as the process is highly regulated to protect the surrogate’s identity and rights. However, at Vardaan Hospital, we ensure that the surrogate mother is thoroughly screened and meets all legal, medical, and psychological criteria. This includes age, health status, past childbirth experience, and mental readiness. While parents are not involved in selecting the surrogate directly, they are assured that the chosen surrogate is fit, willing, and legally approved by the appropriate authorities. All arrangements are made with complete transparency and legal compliance under the guidance of our surrogacy team.

    How Long Does the Entire Surrogacy Process Take?

    The entire surrogacy process in India generally takes 12 to 18 months, depending on medical, legal, and procedural factors. Initial consultations, legal clearances, surrogate matching, and IVF cycles typically take 3 to 5 months. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the full gestation period is around 9 months. Additional time may be required for documentation, counseling, or preparing for embryo transfer. At Vardaan Hospital, we manage the process end-to-end to minimize delays and ensure a smooth journey. Our experienced team handles medical care, legal paperwork, surrogate coordination, and postnatal support offering a streamlined, compassionate experience for intended parents.

    Book Your Consultation Today!

    Ready to take the next step toward parenthood? Schedule your free consultation with the fertility experts in Jalandhar at Vardaan Hospital and get personalized guidance on your surrogacy journey. Whether you're exploring options or need clarity on legal and medical steps, our team is here to support you with empathy and expertise. We ensure complete confidentiality, transparent advice, and a compassionate environment at every stage.  You can reach out via our contact form or connect instantly through WhatsApp for faster assistance. Let us help you start your family with confidence your path to parenthood begins here.

    Related Topics

    Surrogacy process in India Step-by-step surrogacy guide India Surrogacy treatment in India Intended parents surrogacy India

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