Surrogacy offers hope for many couples struggling to conceive. But beneath the emotional aspects lies a complex economic web. Let's delve into the financial side of surrogacy in India, focusing on what surrogate mothers are paid, the role of brokers, and the transparency of financial exchanges.
The statistics on surrogacy pregnancies in India earlier indicated that more than 25,000 children were born to surrogate mothers in the country every year, with a significant portion of these pregnancies being for international couples. The surrogacy industry in India was estimated to be worth over $400 million a year in 2012, with around 3,000 fertility clinics operating across the country.
However, international couples are now not allowed to have surrogacy in India under the current laws. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 restrict surrogacy in India to only Indian citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Surrogate Mother Compensation: A Varied Landscape
The amount a surrogate mother receives in India depends on several factors:
Table of contents [Show] Location | Cities like Mumbai or Delhi typically offer higher compensation than rural areas. |
Experience | Surrogates with a successful track record might command a higher fee. |
Pregnancy Type | Twin pregnancies or those with additional medical complications might involve a higher payout. |
Clinic/Agency | Different clinics or agencies managing surrogacy arrangements might have varying payment structures. |
Estimated Range | News reports suggest the compensation for a surrogate mother in India can range from ₹3 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs for a single pregnancy. However, depending on the situation and the clinic, it can go much above this. Important Considerations: * While this seems like a significant sum, remember the potential health risks and long-term impacts associated with surrogacy. |
The Broker's Cut: Facilitating Connections
Brokers or facilitators often act as intermediaries, connecting intended parents with potential surrogate mothers. Their fees vary, but estimates suggest they take a commission of 15-30% of the surrogate mother's compensation.
Transparency Concerns: A Murky Past
Unfortunately, the financial aspects of surrogacy in India haven't always been transparent. Here's why:Lack of Regulation
Commercial surrogacy lacked clear regulations until the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act. This could lead to exploitation, with some parties manipulating the financial aspects for personal gain. Cash Transactions
Transactions might have happened in cash, making it difficult to track money flow and ensure fair compensation for all involved.
A New Dawn: Increased Transparency
The aim is to bring more accountability to financial exchanges in surrogacy arrangements:
Escrow Accounts | Using escrow accounts to manage the surrogate mother's compensation is becoming more popular. This ensures the money is released only after specific milestones are met, protecting both the surrogate and the intended parents. |
Expense Reimbursement | The outlines the expenses (medical bills, pre-natal vitamins, etc.) that intended parents are responsible for covering. |
Black Money: A Persistent Challenge
While the new regulations promote transparency, there might still be instances of "black money" being exchanged, meaning money that goes unreported to avoid taxes. This isn't easy to quantify and goes against ethical practices.
The Bottom Line: Weighing the Costs
Surrogacy involves significant financial transactions. While intended parents might spend lakhs for the entire process, the surrogate mother's compensation, though substantial, needs to be weighed against potential health risks. There is a need for transparency, but the complete eradication of "black money" might be an ongoing challenge.
