{"id":26890,"date":"2026-06-29T04:41:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T04:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=26890"},"modified":"2026-06-29T04:48:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T04:48:04","slug":"altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Altruism vs. Autonomy: Why India\u2019s Surrogacy Regime Needs a Compensatory Model"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction-to-surrogacy-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_to_Surrogacy_in_India\"><\/span>Introduction to Surrogacy in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surrogacy is undoubtedly the greatest blessing bestowed upon us by modern science and the biggest breakthrough in assisted reproductive technology (ART), helping people suffering from infertility issues to become parents. &#8216;Surrogacy&#8217; refers to the act where a woman gives birth to a baby on behalf of an intended couple who have difficulty in bearing their own baby. There can be several reasons for choosing surrogacy, such as:<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Introduction_to_Surrogacy_in_India\" >Introduction to Surrogacy in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Objectives_of_the_Surrogacy_Regulation_Act_2021\" >Objectives of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Key_Objectives_at_a_Glance\" >Key Objectives at a Glance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Conflict_Between_Altruism_and_Autonomy\" >Conflict Between Altruism and Autonomy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Need_for_a_Regulated_Compensatory_Model\" >Need for a Regulated Compensatory Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#The_Paradox_of_Altruistic_Surrogacy\" >The Paradox of Altruistic Surrogacy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Pure_Altruism_as_a_Legal_Fiction\" >Pure Altruism as a Legal Fiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Impact_on_Womens_Reproductive_Autonomy\" >Impact on Women&#8217;s Reproductive Autonomy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Practical_Challenges_of_the_Altruistic_Model\" >Practical Challenges of the Altruistic Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Growth_of_the_Informal_Surrogacy_Industry\" >Growth of the Informal Surrogacy Industry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Illegal_Surrogacy_Rackets_and_Regulatory_Concerns\" >Illegal Surrogacy Rackets and Regulatory Concerns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Key_Observations\" >Key Observations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#A_Model_Beyond_Altruistic_and_Commercial_Surrogacy_Regulated_Compensatory_Surrogacy\" >A Model Beyond Altruistic and Commercial Surrogacy: Regulated Compensatory Surrogacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Key_Features_of_a_Regulated_Compensatory_Surrogacy_Framework\" >Key Features of a Regulated Compensatory Surrogacy Framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Recommended_Safeguards_Summary\" >Recommended Safeguards Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Conclusion-2\" >Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/altruism-vs-autonomy-why-indias-surrogacy-regime-needs-a-compensatory-model\/#Summary_Table_of_Key_Takeaways\" >Summary Table of Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infertility issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pregnancy complications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problems or risks associated with being pregnant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical conditions that prevent pregnancy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the past two decades, drastic changes have occurred in surrogacy practices in India. Earlier, India was the epicentre of commercial surrogacy in the international arena. Following the passing of the legislation called the <strong>\u2018Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, <\/strong>2021&#8242; [1], India has been completely converted into an altruistic surrogacy model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-objectives-of-the-surrogacy-regulation-act-2021\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objectives_of_the_Surrogacy_Regulation_Act_2021\"><\/span>Objectives of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This act attempts to protect the interests of economically disadvantaged women and the rights of children born through surrogacy and also aims to regulate clinics under the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board and State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-objectives-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Objectives_at_a_Glance\"><\/span>Key Objectives at a Glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Objective<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Protection of Women<\/td><td>Safeguards the interests of economically disadvantaged women.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Protection of Children<\/td><td>Recognises and protects the rights of children born through surrogacy.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Regulation of Clinics<\/td><td>Brings surrogacy and ART clinics under statutory regulatory authorities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Regulatory Oversight<\/td><td>Provides supervision through the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board and State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Boards.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conflict-between-altruism-and-autonomy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Between_Altruism_and_Autonomy\"><\/span>Conflict Between Altruism and Autonomy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although these concerns cannot be overlooked, the outright ban on compensation has led to a significant conflict between two values:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Altruism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Autonomy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law upholds the former principle as the moral and ethical foundation of surrogacy without acknowledging the reproductive and economic rights of surrogate mothers. This approach is unintentionally fostering black markets for surrogacy services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-need-for-a-regulated-compensatory-model\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_for_a_Regulated_Compensatory_Model\"><\/span>Need for a Regulated Compensatory Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article contends that India should move towards a regulated compensatory model of surrogacy that protects women from exploitation while respecting their autonomy and recognising their labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-paradox-of-altruistic-surrogacy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Paradox_of_Altruistic_Surrogacy\"><\/span>The Paradox of Altruistic Surrogacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Oxford Learner&#8217;s Dictionary, \u2018altruism\u2019 is defined as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2018The fact of caring about the needs and happiness of other people and being willing to do things to help them, even if it brings no advantage to yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, under the current legislative framework, altruism prevails in the case of surrogacy, where the woman serves as the carrier without expecting any monetary gain, except for expenses related to healthcare services and insurance coverage for thirty-six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rationale behind such a policy lies in the necessity of preventing the commercialisation of the female body and the establishment of a reproductive market through surrogacy. In this way, surrogacy becomes a humanitarian act rather than a business transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is definitely true that the purpose pursued by legislators was absolutely correct because prior to the introduction of this legislation, there had been a rapid expansion of commercial surrogacy practices, leading to insufficient medical care, the exploitation of women through contractual surrogacy, and unfair conditions for those who became surrogates without receiving appropriate remuneration for their labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the assumption that altruistic surrogacy is inherently ethical and non-exploitative deserves closer examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pure-altruism-as-a-legal-fiction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pure_Altruism_as_a_Legal_Fiction\"><\/span>Pure Altruism as a Legal Fiction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of &#8216;pure altruism\u2019 is merely a legal fiction wherein surrogacy is perceived as charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, the pregnancy process involves a period of nine months during which women face various health constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, surrogate mothers must undergo the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hormonal therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular check-ups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dietary limitations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional stress related to pregnancy and childbirth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In contemporary society, compensation is necessary for any kind of labour that involves time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The altruistic model, however, perceives reproductive labour differently, expecting women to put in significant effort without reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not accommodate women who wish to act as surrogates of their own accord to make money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-impact-on-women-s-reproductive-autonomy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_on_Womens_Reproductive_Autonomy\"><\/span>Impact on Women&#8217;s Reproductive Autonomy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, women from developing nations often require financial assistance to live a satisfactory life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This paradoxical law violates women\u2019s bodily and reproductive autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was previously affirmed in <em>Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of India<\/em> [2] and in <em>Suchita Srivastava &amp; Anr v. Chandigarh Administration<\/em> [3], where the Supreme Court of India recognised \u2018the right to make decisions regarding reproduction\u2019 as a component of \u2018personal liberty\u2019 protected by Article 21 of the Constitution of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the elimination of economic incentives potentially leads to a reduction in the availability of women in the market who are willing to be surrogates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-practical-challenges-of-the-altruistic-model\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Challenges_of_the_Altruistic_Model\"><\/span>Practical Challenges of the Altruistic Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Effect<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>No financial compensation<\/td><td>Reduces willingness of women to become surrogates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reproductive labor treated as charity<\/td><td>Ignores the time, effort, and health risks involved<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Restriction on voluntary compensated surrogacy<\/td><td>Limits women&#8217;s economic and reproductive choices<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-growth-of-the-informal-surrogacy-industry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growth_of_the_Informal_Surrogacy_Industry\"><\/span>Growth of the Informal Surrogacy Industry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An unexpected consequence of the ban on compensation has been the development of an informal surrogate industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From an economic standpoint, one can assume that the need for surrogacy persists even in the absence of legislative permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In situations where official channels are obstructed, clients and agents may engage in informal arrangements to circumvent these barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The risks involved in illegal operations can be much higher than those in an official setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, surrogate mothers might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not have access to proper healthcare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Face non-binding contracts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become vulnerable to blackmail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become victims of deception by the intended parents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, women in financial need may travel to nearby countries or to other countries to act as surrogates, where they face intense objectification and oppression by agents [4].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-illegal-surrogacy-rackets-and-regulatory-concerns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Illegal_Surrogacy_Rackets_and_Regulatory_Concerns\"><\/span>Illegal Surrogacy Rackets and Regulatory Concerns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investigations in the Delhi NCR region have revealed that many illicit surrogacy rackets [4] are still persisting in India, but their operations have merely shifted underground with greater secrecy than organ trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ironically, the proactiveness of this Act to eliminate exploitation has inadvertently contributed to hidden forms of abuse, which are now much more difficult to detect and prevent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recently, the Supreme Court has called for the response of the union government [5] concerning the trafficking of children through ART and surrogacy clinics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This follows concerns highlighted by the amicus curiae, who pointed out significant lapses in regulations and the lack of a specific procedure to tackle such offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-observations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Observations\"><\/span>Key Observations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Altruistic surrogacy seeks to prevent commercialisation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The model assumes pregnancy is motivated solely by humanitarian considerations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reproductive labour requires substantial physical, emotional, and medical commitment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The absence of compensation may reduce the number of willing surrogate mothers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restrictions can unintentionally encourage underground surrogacy networks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illegal arrangements may expose surrogate mothers to exploitation, poor healthcare, and contractual insecurity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, the two words \u2018altruistic\u2019 and \u2018surrogacy\u2019 are self-contradictory in real scenarios because this model assumes emotional motivation but ignores the economic reality of the surrogate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-model-beyond-altruistic-and-commercial-surrogacy-regulated-compensatory-surrogacy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Model_Beyond_Altruistic_and_Commercial_Surrogacy_Regulated_Compensatory_Surrogacy\"><\/span>A Model Beyond Altruistic and Commercial Surrogacy: Regulated Compensatory Surrogacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The compensatory theory of surrogacy does not imply unlimited commercialisation of surrogacy to transform it into a lucrative business. Instead, it advocates for a well-regulated process in which surrogate mothers receive fair compensation while remaining protected from exploitation. The concept of a compensated surrogacy model fits well within the Indian context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to the enactment of surrogacy legislation, and considering the physical and psychological stresses endured by the surrogate mother, the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare proposed a shift in its 102nd report (tabled on August 10, 2017). The committee recommended moving away from the strictly altruistic approach of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, toward a &#8220;compensated&#8221; model, thereby opening surrogacy to a wider range of families, but this recommendation was never implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Globally, countries such as the USA, Georgia, Mexico, Colombia, and Russia also permit a compensatory model of surrogacy. Furthermore, the principles of compensatory surrogacy do not contravene Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India. Rather, they align with constitutional values by respecting both the dignity and autonomy of the surrogate mother and granting equal status to her reproductive labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-features-of-a-regulated-compensatory-surrogacy-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Features_of_a_Regulated_Compensatory_Surrogacy_Framework\"><\/span>Key Features of a Regulated Compensatory Surrogacy Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make this compensatory surrogacy framework successful, the government should incorporate various safeguards, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implement a state-regulated compensatory model of surrogacy that will provide fair and regulated financial compensation to surrogates for their reproductive labour, physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and medical procedure and delivery to prevent exploitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guaranteed standard compensation should be paid to the surrogate to cover her loss of wages during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum recovery period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intending parents should cover the expenses of hiring domestic help before and after the delivery of the baby to manage the surrogate\u2019s existing family responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A term life insurance policy is required naming the surrogate\u2019s dependents as beneficiaries in the event of maternal mortality, along with comprehensive health insurance that covers the surrogate before, during, and a minimum of 36 months after delivery to cover any postpartum complications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The surrogate must have a legal representative of her choice, whose fees should be covered by the intended parents, to review the contract and clarify her rights. This prevents coercion and ensures the surrogate makes an informed decision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandatory psychological evaluations of both the surrogate mother and the intended parents to prove their emotional and mental suitability to undergo the entire surrogacy experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There should be a digital database for documenting all information related to clinics, surrogate mothers, and intended parents to address these issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strict penalties are required for coercion, trafficking, exploitation, and unethical intermediaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-recommended-safeguards-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Safeguards_Summary\"><\/span>Recommended Safeguards Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Area<\/th><th>Recommended Safeguard<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Compensation<\/td><td>State-regulated fair financial compensation for reproductive labour and pregnancy-related physical and emotional toll.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Income Protection<\/td><td>Guaranteed compensation for wage loss during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Family Support<\/td><td>Domestic help expenses before and after delivery are to be borne by intending parents.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Insurance<\/td><td>Term life insurance and comprehensive health insurance extending for at least 36 months after delivery.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal Protection<\/td><td>Independent legal representative for the surrogate at the cost of the intended parents.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mental Health<\/td><td>Mandatory psychological evaluation of both the surrogate mother and intended parents.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Regulation<\/td><td>Digital database for clinics, surrogate mothers, and intended parents.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enforcement<\/td><td>Strict penalties for coercion, trafficking, exploitation, and unethical intermediaries.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion-2\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In conclusion, parenthood is an extremely fulfilling experience in many people&#8217;s lives and should not be denied by imposing stringent rules. A blanket ban on commercial surrogacy was never a solution to stop the exploitation of women in the surrogacy field. Rather, it indirectly contributed to under-the-table surrogacy procedures that are much more exploitative. Strict eligibility criteria for both the surrogate and intended parents already impose sufficient limitations on surrogacy. Therefore, the government needs to take a progressive stance on surrogacy by implementing a regulated compensatory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-references\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AIR 2018 SC (Supp) 1841.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AIR 2010 Supreme Court 235.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Akhilesh Nagari, <em>Ground Report: The Dark Side of the Surrogacy Industry, Packages from Rs 20 Lakh<\/em>, India Today, Jul. 27, 2024, 20:17 IST.<br>URL: https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/india\/story\/surrogacy-delhi-ncr-fertility-clinics-illegal-human-trafficking-hospitals-2572480-2024-07-27<br>(Last visited June 28, 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chayanikaindialegal, <em>Supreme Court Seeks Central Response on Allegations of Child Trafficking Through IVF and Surrogacy Centres<\/em>, India Legal, June 4, 2026.<br>URL: https:\/\/indialegallive.com\/constitutional-law-news\/courts-news\/supreme-court-seeks-central-response-on-allegations-of-child-trafficking-through-ivf-and-surrogacy-centres\/<br>(Last visited June 28, 2026).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following key takeaways summarise the major legal, constitutional, and policy issues discussed in the article on surrogacy in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India&#8217;s Surrogacy Law Shift The <strong>Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021,<\/strong> replaced commercial surrogacy with an altruistic surrogacy model, aiming to protect women from exploitation while regulating Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Altruism vs. Women&#8217;s Autonomy The article argues that banning financial compensation overlooks the physical, emotional, and economic realities of pregnancy, raising concerns about women&#8217;s reproductive autonomy and constitutional rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of Underground Surrogacy Eliminating compensation has not removed the demand for surrogacy. Instead, it may have pushed surrogacy into illegal and unregulated networks, exposing surrogate mothers to greater exploitation, poor healthcare, and contractual insecurity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitutional Perspective Supreme Court decisions recognising reproductive choice as part of the right to personal liberty under Article 21 strengthen the argument that women should have greater autonomy in deciding whether to become compensated surrogates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why a Regulated Compensatory Model Is Proposed Rather than restoring unrestricted commercial surrogacy, the article recommends a state-regulated compensatory framework that balances ethical safeguards with fair compensation for surrogate mothers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Essential Safeguards for Ethical Surrogacy The proposed model includes fixed government-regulated compensation, wage-loss protection, life and health insurance, independent legal representation, psychological evaluation, digital monitoring of clinics, and strict penalties for trafficking and coercion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global Comparison Several countries, including the United States, Georgia, Mexico, Colombia, and Russia, permit regulated compensated surrogacy, demonstrating that compensation and strong legal oversight can coexist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy Recommendation The article concludes that regulated compensatory surrogacy offers a more practical and constitutionally balanced approach than a complete ban on compensation, protecting surrogate mothers while reducing illegal surrogacy practices and supporting intended parents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Table_of_Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Summary Table of Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Topic<\/th><th>Key Takeaway<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>India&#8217;s Surrogacy Law Shift<\/td><td>The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, replaced commercial surrogacy with an altruistic surrogacy model.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Women&#8217;s Autonomy<\/td><td>The ban on financial compensation raises concerns regarding reproductive autonomy and constitutional rights.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Underground Surrogacy<\/td><td>Restricting compensation may encourage illegal and unregulated surrogacy networks.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Constitutional Perspective<\/td><td>Article 21 jurisprudence supports reproductive choice and personal liberty.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Compensatory Model<\/td><td>A regulated compensatory framework seeks to balance fair compensation with ethical safeguards.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safeguards<\/td><td>Compensation, insurance, legal protection, psychological evaluation, digital monitoring, and strict enforcement are proposed.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Global Comparison<\/td><td>Several countries successfully permit regulated compensated surrogacy.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Policy Recommendation<\/td><td>A regulated compensatory model is presented as a more balanced alternative to a complete compensation ban.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Written By: Bipasa Pramanik<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-latest-rules-and-regulations-regarding-surrogacy-in-india-surrogacy-regulation-act-2021\/\">The Latest Rules And Regulations Regarding Surrogacy In India: Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/legislating-altruism-a-comprehensive-analysis-of-indias-surrogacy-act-2021\/\">Legislating Altruism: A Comprehensive Analysis of India&#8217;s Surrogacy Act, 2021<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare-who-bears-liability-on-surrogacy\/\">Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Who Bears the Liability? A Focus on Surrogacy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/surrogacy-in-modern-law-and-its-position-in-islamic-jurisprudence\/\">Surrogacy in Modern Law and Its Position in Islamic Jurisprudence<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/women-and-the-legal-system-in-india-laws-loopholes-and-the-pursuit-of-justice\/\">Women and the Legal System in India: Laws, Loopholes, and the Pursuit of Justice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction to Surrogacy in India Surrogacy is undoubtedly the greatest blessing bestowed upon us by modern science and the biggest breakthrough in assisted reproductive technology (ART), helping people suffering from infertility issues to become parents. &#8216;Surrogacy&#8217; refers to the act where a woman gives birth to a baby on behalf of an intended couple who<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1634,"featured_media":26893,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[28,651],"class_list":["post-26890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-woman-law","tag-top-news","tag-woman-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - 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