Inside Story - Why is India banning commercial surrogacy?

The Indian government says it wants to stop the exploitation of poor women.
There has been controversy over the government's decision to propose legislation restricting commercial surrogacy.
It says it considers it a "rent-a-womb" industry that exploits impoverished young women.
But critics say the proposed bill will severely limit options for childless couples and women who carry other people's babies as a way out of poverty.
The bill seeks to bar foreign, single and same sex couples from surrogacy services in India and says that only close relatives can act as surrogates.
So, is this designed to stop exploitation of poor women or are there other factors at play?
Presenter: Hazem Sika
Guests:
Archana Dhawan Bajaj - Fertility and IVF Expert at the Nurture Clinic.
Nandita Rao - Lawyer and Civil Rights Activist.
Karuna Nundy - Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and International Lawyer.
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[@semragn4691]

It`s so beautiful. I am in similar situation. Half a year ago we with my husband decided to go for surrogacy in one clinic in Ukraine. It was so thrillingly. We were worried about many things..But now we choosed our surrogacy mom and she is pregnant! I am really happy for you. Hope we can feel hapiness soon. But I hope this was the only inconvenience we faced. Even though I'm nervous, but still I have some confidence in this place. Not for nothing people go there.

[@user-od8eq8bd1g]

They go there because it's cheap which is due to the agencies using very poor and desperate women, not giving them proper care before and especially not after they have given birth and constantly threaten not to pay them for various reasons (for example telling the buyers about how they are treated). But yeah, congratulations on your human trafficking adventure.

[@Ahmed_oldisgold]

Hello can I talk to you about your surrogate journey?

[@SaniyaAggarwal-7432]

​@@user-od8eq8bd1gbitch** how can U say about human trafficking it's there choice U cannot judge their future and their needs If they want to go ahead they will definitely go there for their serogaccy and if U are having problems than its your problem U gay

[@JJtvee]

It's thrilling to rent a woman's body and then steal the baby she made? It's unethical and immoral.

[@mousiki4706]

A ban on surrogacy is not the solution. Regulation and humane laws should monitor this industry. Well, the fear is the industry going underground. Good program, Thanks.

[@VinayakVidhyasagar]

karuna nandi is ethical,and proper,shes correct,we need surrugacy pls help us ,my wife has 5 failed ivf cycles

[@ofnotandi]

I have always thought that this was a fine practice but I have to say the anti surrogacy activist was very persuasive. Women being forced into this by family members hoping to make money of poor women was just not a possibility to me before.

[@mjshaheed]

+ofnoandi - but I don't understand why she said that she supports foreigners and gays who opt for surrogacy in india and fine with it.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

+mjshaheed I didn't get that impression. I thought that her point was that for the government to decide that only a certain group of people can use surrogacy isn't the government deciding that the practise of surrogacy is bad, but just a conservative government trying to impose their moral views of how society should be on the people.

[@RahulKumar-lg8vj]

I don't support ban.If surrogate's families exploit surrogates for their own benefits they will do so for any other way the lady earns money.And yes,they are not selling any part of their body.Surrogates in general are seen altruistic.There are other ways to regulate it.

[@so-much-to-learn]

Does not sell a part of their body? Absurd. The surrogate women's body supports the conception of the baby and its growth and its birth. It involves cell generation and hormone generation to support that. Just egg and sperm is not the whole pregnancy. Please care to grow out of your ignorance. Women are not factories producing human babies that you think its rightful and ethical to expect them to easily casually offer their reproductive organs and their whole body for unnatural invasive conception to nurture the baby for whole term like it's no big deal. Pregnancy is not just a thing in the womb. The whole of women is involved in it her physical body her bones her nutrients her cells her blood the oxygen that she breathes that is her life her hormones and hence her emotional as well. Taking away the baby from the surrogate mother leaves her with grief which cannot be compensated by any price. And putting a price tag to this demanded service is just too insensitive. You want to negotiate with money the risk to women's body health wellbeing dignity and her life because she is economically vulnerable? That is exploitation, reproductive trafficking and inhuman to its core. Any pregnancy is a risk. Please educate yourself before you declare whether you are for surrogacy or not. You as an individual have no right whatsoever to declare your opinion about the usability of another individual's body and reproductive ability to exclaim that they must put it on offer. You focus on what you got and try offering that. Thats where your rights end regarding a human body. You have no right to demand the intimate and invasive abuse of another's body for your purposes.

[@will22joseph]

its really a subject to think about. I don't think gov should hurryburry on this matter.

[@TakeaRideWithMyTrunkOpen]

If someone can explain to me why rich women who are able to have babies are outsourcing and don’t want to carry their own babies I can form an opinion

[@ezabellauris8749]

Since this has ever been a controversial topic. I am amazed to see the perception that this procedure has over the countries. The country where I have been living. So many surrogates individuals have been looking to help the Intended parents and they themselves give up their wombs for the ones who have no families. And the surrogate has their families but they do such as they want others to have the similar blessings.

[@nikoyin3334]

Inspiring. I love how surrogates carry the child without being forced. They are miracle maker who is laws into the service of others. To me they are humanitarians. My surrogate is so humble and sweet as you. I wish all the surrogates best of luck.

[@urmilakhan5056]

Hello there, I am sure that you are living awesome and healthy like strong believer. You have a lot of knowledge about the procedure. Plus you are sharing it with others. Thanks for a sharing the useful information. A lot of people do not know much details. They provided me with all the details. I am quite happy with their service. Good fortunes.

[@charlienehansmayer9201]

It's such a pleasant change that policies are made for surrogacy in India. It is a good step towards prevention of exploitation of women. Yes, I do agree that regulatory issues need to be addressed for complete implementation of such policies. Maybe culture and religion are driving forces. But it is only accepted by policy makers, due to the revenue it brings to the country. Although in Europe there are several certified clinics and good agencies. It involves a lot of concerns, regarding the child's future. Biotex-Com Center for Human Reproduction is one of the top clinics for infertility treatment procedures.

[@vrikshk5658]

Karuna nundy!!! Amazing!! She is a sensible strong woman... In future there are gonna more people who will not be able to make children.. MODI and sushma are old already, they will not be there ( dead) to defend their decision.. Thumbs up from Tamilnadu

[@charlottelopez6583]

This is a great thought by the Indian Government. That they should stop the clinics to exploit the poor women. I wish that they should take action against such worst clinics. They should set Biotexcom clinic in Ukraine as an example. They are wonderfully dealing with surrogacy. They are giving proper rights to intended parents and surrogate mother. They are doing a great job for the sake of humanity.

[@jasminejoe6129]

It is quite sad to see most countries still not accepting surrogacy to be a good process. In most countries surrogacy is still banned and considered unethical. I have been through surrogacy myself from Biotexcom and I stand with surrogacy.

[@ginacable5376]

That lawyer is good those poor woman need protecting.. I have nothing against surrogacy but they need paying a lot of money and being looked after really well and I'm not sure how you make sure she's not being forced into it by family. It's a very complicated subject.

[@wishinggreetings8589]

It is really sad. it is the sick mentality. People are really mad. they need to grow up. Infertility is a curse. I have seen my friend in such pain. She faced infertility for 7 years. She wanted to be a mother badly. In the end, She decided to go for surrogacy. She has a baby now. She chose the best clinic of Europe.

[@kimberlynathaniel4273]

This is right. There should be no controversy. It's sad how the concept is being exploited. However, I expect the government to do something different. They shouldn't ban it. They should improve the rules of surrogacy and implement them. Banning won't help as it is still a really important process!

[@miaisabella9415]

Hello. It is so sad when I hear about surrogacy being banned in so many parts of the world. I mean why? It is such a wonderful process. If something brings eternal joy for anyone, is it wrong? I don't get why the advancement in medicine is not appreciated. Rather being talked against. I hope the open session of biotexcom in London rises this issue.

[@wentinggao3064]

A great discussion. Absolutely enjoyed it

[@snehajon8732]

Hey there, How are you? Hope all will be doing well. It is very important to share. I think we need to research on the pros and cons of surrogacy. And the infertile people should consult the best clinic. So that they can get the best suggestion. The best guideline can change their life. Wish all the best.

[@JJtvee]

I agree with the change.

[@nerdnerd5054]

Infertility is a common issue today. Most of the couples are facing infertility. I am not infertile as i conceived for 3 times. But i resulted in miscarriages each time. So now i have decided to go for surrogacy to have a baby. Surrogacy is a blessing for infertile people like me. I have persuaded my husband to go for surrogacy and he is ready for surrogacy. I hope this turns into a success for us.

[@rosarioterashima1436]

Why not turn adapting instead.

[@lillyparker9730]

Hi. How are you? Hope you are doing good. I am really sorry for this. May God help everyone. Babies are a blessing. Thanks for sharing your video. I am a mother through surrogacy and I visited Bio TexCom clinic for this purpose. Stay blessed.

[@ameliabrown9391]

I agree that exploitation is not ethical. But it should not be completely banned. Government should regularize the whole surrogacy thing rather than banning it altogether. It is so unfair to the infertile people in that country. I live in Ireland and there is no proper legislation. I have to go to BIotexcom clinic in Ukraine to carry on my surrogacy treatment. I am very much satisifed with the clinic. Still I support the argument that this surrogacy facility should be available everywhere.

[@semragn4691]

Hello everyone! Unfortunately India was banned for foreigners. Half a year ago we chose clinic in Ukraine. Our first meeting with our doctor was a couple of months ago and now we are waiting for news. We chose economy package ( 29 900 €). There were also packages with more services for higher price. We can't afford to pay more now. We had 5 failed cycles of ivf before. Those procedures pulled a lot of money from us. That's why economy package suits us the most right now. This package includes all necessary services so I think it won't influence the final result.

[@dakotaquinn2675]

I think the issue is not with the procedure. Rather it seems like a lack of laws and regulations is making a problem for so many. Just like any other industry, medical tourism needs to have strict laws and rules. If properly regulated it would be very beneficial for everyone. If India completely closes its surrogacy industry it will lose a lot. Mostly because there are countries like Ukraine investing a lot in the surrogacy business. That is where my husband and I will go there in the fall to start our procedure at Biotexcom.

[@janniferkate6657]

Some places in India are miss using this process. But banning this is not the good idea. There must be proper and strict laws and regulations. After this everything will be in place. Some infertile couples need s this option if they don't have the money to travel to another country it'll be tough for them. Europe clinics are doing great and also following the proper laws so no worries will have to face in future.

[@natashalonie9109]

Congrats on your journey and for having a baby. Everyone wants a baby like me. But someone can have it naturally and some can't have like me. I have been TTC from 10 years but no luck. Now i have decided for surrogacy. As the doctors can't decide weather i will conceive or not. So i have decided to go for surrogacy now. It is ban in Bulgaria but i will have to move for it. Surrogacy is the only solution to my problem now.

[@midknightfenerir]

I am proud of government of India for doing this. These foreigners can use Qatari women for surrogacy if Al Jazzera is so concerned.

[@sarahgarnet3559]

Surrogacy is not an exploitation. Many Indian women are being used for this procedure which is a blessing in real. Surrogates shouldn't be forced to be involved in it until they want to be. The only problem is that it's being misused in the countries like India. India has never been a place i would go for the surrogacy. As it requires a lot of medical research and professional doctors who do it. Clinics in Europe is the best place for Surrogacy.

[@saleenaadams8326]

Commercial surrogacy is somewhere considered ethical and on the other hand, people consider it ethical. But what matters the most is the results they produce from it. Some people consider it unethical because India is not following the policies and surrogacy has been made business there. But nowadays many are well aware of surrogacy rules and policies. BioTexCom in Ukraine is doing their best from their services and spreading awareness of surrogacy by arranging seminars for their customers.

[@mirandajames9459]

They shouldn't completely ban it. Surrogacy is actually a great way to have babies for couples who can't do it naturally. What they can do is create more clinics and agencies that provide the surrogates with what they appropriately deserve. India can become the next surrogacy hub after Ukraine. I went to Ukraine for my surrogacy. It is really affordable there. This could start in india as well.

[@nancyben9398]

Hi, How are you? Surrogacy is still a controversial topic. It should not be banned. It is helping many infertile women. They complete their families. We have to think of them. Infertility is hard to face.

[@Ahmed_oldisgold]

I 100% agree with you sister

[@daniyalraja8790]

Surrogacy for sure is very helpful for couples who can't have their own babies. It has helped many couples in the past. But the main point to ponder is that no one should be forced into it. If someone wants to be surrogate by own choice then no one can say anything about it. But is you push someone by force just for the sake of money then it is really a bad thing. No doubt being a surrogate is really a kind act that you give yourself to help others. But doing it for purely sake of getting money is really a selfish kind of thing. Surrogacy is a blessing for couples who can't have their own babies. It lets them to have their own babies who will adopt their own characteristics.

[@elizabethjohn563]

I don't agree with this. This is not the exploitation of women. This is a very noble cause. And no one is forcing them. They're doing it willingly. Banning it is not right. I will always stand with surrogacy. I owe my baby to it too.

[@Hypocritial]

what's the problem to use one's own womb?

[@lolakayla548]

I guess that surrogacy should never be restricted like this. I never see anything wrong with commerical surrogacy. I know this from a very special experience. My sister, Sasha, had been dealing with TTC for years. SHe finally decided to go with surrogacy at Biotexcom, where she was successfful. Currently, she has two twins, whom I love. So, banning commerical surrogacy is not the most bomb idea. However, all that said, I never agree with such exploitation. There has to be more regulations to protect these women. However, that does not mean that restricting surrogacy will be the panacea for that. So, I very much that there has to be more protections in place to support and protect these women. Therefore, I could not agree more with what the women said. She sounds very pragmatic about her talking points. THere should never be a all-out ban on commerical surrogacy. But, it has to be regulated more effectively. I believe restricting surrogacy is not just about protecting the vulnerable women. I am sure that such kind of restrictions tend to be counterproductive.

[@rajashekarreddy9859]

Many countries have already banned it . Altruistic surrogacy is still legal .

[@GULFRAZMAJEEDseye8eyes]

other factors are at play from the indus river industry is a factory and a act of fact

[@summikimyn6947]

India has the bills but is not practiced by the practitioners. I am surprised to see most of the Indian surrogates are deprived of the basic rights and needs of the being a surrogate. I would say if surrogacy is necessary then laws must be applied that protects surrogates as human and intended parents as well. In this regard, surrogacy laws in Ukraine are strict and feasible. Even the costs are comparatively cheap from the entire world.

[@victoriabaldwin8776]

There are many people who choose India for surrogacy services. So agents sign contracts almost with anyone, who wants to work as a surrogate mother. I should admit the fact, that most of women who decided to become a surrogate mother did it because they need money, mostly they are very poor. Very often, those women are not completely healthy and conditions of their life are horrible. They do not have money to take care of their health. And it may become a problem in future. In countries of Southern Asia and South America there are so many infections. As I know in the East Europe, which is also popular for its small prices, there are no irresponsible agents. For example in Ukraine, only certified legal companies may work with surrogate mothers. It seems more reliable than working with illegal agents. But It`s up to us to decide what variant to choose: cheap Indian clinics or reliable Western European.

[@elizabethswan558]

It's sad to know that India is banning this process. Everyone wishes to have a baby because of some reasons they can't have a baby. But it does not mean they can't have a baby whole life. This process is helping many couples to have a baby although they are facing infertility issues in their life. People in India can consult the clinic based in Ukraine. My self-visited that clinic and they are up to the mark in providing the services.

[@jasminetooke3085]

Then hire surrogates from your country

[@camillenanjala6078]

The Indian government has unveiled a draft law which would ban commercial surrogacy. If approved by parliament. The law will also ban people who do not hold an Indian passport. As well as Indian single parents and gay people. From having children through surrogacy. Infertile couples would be able to seek a surrogate. Which must be a relative. Infertility groups have criticized the proposed law. Saying it could lead to an illegal industry. Some have criticized the draft law. Saying it takes away the rights of women. The new surrogacy law increases the power of the nanny state. It should be up to women to decide if they want to be surrogates. Others said the law discriminated against gay people. India has one-third of the world's poorest people. Critics argue that poverty is a major factor driving women to become surrogate mothers in exchange for money. With all these information. I would prefer people to just go for surrogacy in Kiev, Ukraine. I have been there and the services were amazing.

[@abigailcharlotte7179]

Personally, I did not like the initiative of the Indian government. Restriction on surrogacy will not save you from evils. Rather surrogacy can give happiness to both sides. Instead of restricting it, laws should be made, so that women are not exploited. Ukraine is known for providing surrogacy in the best environments. Everything is safe there. Also, it is much cheaper. Good wishes.

[@jessicakirk8139]

Meseems IVF has become more widely available in the years. Even look at India, once the largest global surrogacy market due to its lenient regulation. But minimal regulations are a perk for the commissioning couples, but leave the women serving as surrogates extremely vulnerable to exploitation. That is not right. Such procedure must be strictly regulated and ensure safety for surrogate mom and intended parents. As distinct from India, in Ukraine specialists are paying more attention on this subject. Especially clinics in Kiev. Foreign couples usually go to Ukraine because they find their needed services and conditions. Where high qualification doctors are involved. And what I liked the most they got a contract which protect all rights both tended parents and surrogate mother. The last-mentioned get fixed payment and has no rights and obligations towards child. Baby is the greatest happiness in our life. And all these moments can be solved.

[@tiffanylynn1006]

Jessica Kirk what about the child's rights?

[@habeebaslam3760]

1400 Years ago Angel Jibreel came to Prophet Muhammad and asked question?when the Qiyamah will come?. Tell me about the final hour.” The Prophet said, “The one asked does not know more than the one asking.” The man(Angel Jibreel) said, “Tell me about its signs.” The Prophet said, “The servant girl will give birth to her mistress. That True. First womb rent it was Year of 1986 start in US and it will be to continuous everywhere in World. We are living in that hours and days. World most popular leader and history, research of Science World knows. In Islam Big Signs of womb rent (The servant girl will give birth to her mistress. ).

[@graviddavid2627]

1:35 2:32

[@Ahmed_oldisgold]

Are you attracted towards pregnant women and pregnancy stuff and big bellies? Are you having pregnancy fetish?

[@prettyashu9538]

informative knowledge. Surrogation is the best option. This method will work. Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go. Consult with your doctor. It will pays off to you. Soon one will be will be the mother who go for it. Best wishes to you. my experience and your information may provide others energy as a hope. better luck again!

[@kavyarajappa]

Just imagine a single mother struggling to raise her child, this surrogacy money would make a pillar for her life... Its not an exploitation if she agree whole heartedly.. But it is exploitation when her husband force her to do so and take all of her money... I know the pain of infertility and when infertile couple hold their baby through surrogacy i can imagine their happiness.. We have emotions and pains, we are humans , we cant make a perfect law on these, there are cons in every other prospective... So let it be as it is... At last some one is happy, humans ultimate emotion is happiness and satification which requires others sacrifice.. But here the sacrifice is paid so everything settled. Stop blabbering

[@dinkuaiims]

This is a terrible ban. Surrogacy is not exploitation. Medical field often depends on altruism as a way to help people, such as blood and organ donation, since organs cannot be manufactured. Who is the government to force the infertile couple not to have children? In the name of protecting poor from exploitation the government is preventing them from exercising their choices. Government assumes that these women are not capable of making their choices, while it should be supporting them by better anti-exploitation laws, instead of total ban. Adoption again is a matter of freedom of choice, not to be enforced upon on people by taking away the choices.

[@azmhyr]

Dinesh Kumar Then these people should go to their relatives for altruism. İnstead they come to Indian women, whom they pay an amount of money to carry a baby. A baby and a woman's womb are commodities.

[@vrikshk5658]

True!

[@blimeygirl4357]

Yes, but as you probably know, selling your blood and/or organs is illegal. There's a reason for that.

[@vrikshk5658]

@@blimeygirl4357 hi.. But the govt is making choices for people... This may sound simple but actually people should be making their own choices.. these politicians are so uneducated and senseless..they say surrogate should be a blood relative, do you even know how the product of incest will end up? Health issues and everything... By the way who are these people to say what we should do and we shouldn't

[@blimeygirl4357]

@@vrikshk5658 I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "the product of incest". It wouldn't be incest really, because the genetic material wouldn't belong (hopefully) to the one who is carrying the child. My argument is that government should get involved and ban some things, just like kidney buying or selling should be illegal. Because it puts vulnerable people in a dangerous position.

[@amirahariana5136]

It doesn't matter what you do with your money you earned it.. what about she needs to feed her family she has two young babies and they don't have nothing to eat what's wrong she's helping her family out just like we go to work every day and we have to feed our kids same thing... what about people selling their kidneys and their hearts and their organs what about all that what's the difference.... the richest people in the USA are doing it what's the difference

[@chetyoubetya8565]

LOL the job of the state is to protect the weak???LOL that is the funniest thing I ever heard when it comes to women in India.

[@jaynkiller9398]

if there childless the better

[@jamiegearheart2239]

They are having twins an leaving one behind.

[@amirahariana5136]

U lie

[@jaynkiller9398]

I'm 19 year old guy that never had a wife

[@sonupatelsonupatel1353]

Apko bi bacha nhi he

[@snehajon8732]

It is very important to talk about. This is the very important topic. We need to share our experience with each other. There is also the best clinic in the UK. That is the BioTexCom clinic. They are going to the London. It will be on 18 and 19 of August. I hope all will be well.

[@alixsmith7503]

Surrogacy is a very great blessing to the needy people. surrogacy is serving the poor mankind in a very effective way. there are a big thanks to medical science as well as the clinics helping the people in this regard. Biotextcom is offering these services in this regard. thanks for spreading the information and giving the people much hope.

[@rajcyril1]

if its banned it will be great step towards development...

[@rajashekarreddy9859]

Free will of poor women is as imaginary as flying pigs . Let it be banned for good but legalise altruistic surrogacy and adoption for homosexual couples and single parents .

[@vijaygovind128]

Granted that free will is imaginary, do you take away their voting rights too because they can not decide on their own ? If free will is imaginary, there should be more regulation to ensure free will with huge punishment for people inducing her, whether it is the surrogate's own family or the hospital or the commissioning parents.

[@rajashekarreddy9859]

+Vijay Govind Narayanan well the analogy is as silly as the woman who argues and equates it to the Burkini ban . Voting or not voting to a person wouldn't make a huge difference and impact a woman's life in a way surrogacy does . It is quite hilarious how many people take womanhood for granted . Many poor woman are only forced against their will into commercial surrogacy for money .

[@vijaygovind128]

***** Actually the burkini ban comment made a lot of sense, since just like the secular french government who wants to remove all religious symbols, you have the right objective of preventing exploitation, but are choosing the wrong means.

[@neil4182]

are you mad???or gay??? surrogacy is bizarre and crazy i wonder how much those doctors earning per child

[@vijaygovind128]

nilesh upase Really ? What a mature response? No one gives a rat's behind about what you wonder.

[@pratyakshgautam8076]

well please allow gay marrige in Qatar

[@alexisalsopp8123]

Three years ago we were in India. We wanted to find a surrogate mother, as I`m infertile. We looked for the clinic for a long time and finally decided to choose one in Gujarat. There`s a big center, where many surrogate mothers live. In general, there are a great number of such centers around the country. I will be honest; we are looking for a rather cheap one. Although, it appears that it was a total waste of our money. At the beginning they told us, that the average price. But we had to pay for different analyses and contributions. So in general we paid them a lot more. But eventually we left with nothing. After such negative impression we decided to leave the country and to look for other variants. We went to Ukraine, where we find certified legal company which work with surrogate mothers. Finally we had a result. Our child was born in Biotexcom clinic there. We paid fixed sum of money. And we were completely satisfied with their work.

[@azmhyr]

Alexis Alsopp How cold you talk about "their services". God made you infertile for a reason, you should not have been granted a child in the first place when you talk about pregnancy as a "service".

[@trythis2205]

Great thing. India is progressing very well in this field. I should mention BioTexCom clinic here. They introduced this procedure. Their rate is cheap. Their success rate is high. They are really great people. I salute their efforts.

[@RahulKumar-lg8vj]

I don't support ban.If surrogate's families exploit surrogates for their own benefits they will do so for any other way the lady earns money.And yes,they are not selling any part of their body.Surrogates in general are seen altruistic.There are other ways to regulate it.