The surrogacy journey in India is both a legal and emotional commitment. With the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 setting strict rules, families must carefully prepare before beginning. While every case is unique, most surrogacy journeys in India take between 4 to 12 months from the initial consultation to the start of pregnancy. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Understand the Law and Eligibility

Surrogacy in India is only allowed under specific circumstances. The law permits:

• Intending Couple: Married Indian man (26–55 years) and woman (23–50 years) with a medical certificate of infertility, and no living child (with limited exceptions).
• Intending Woman: Indian widow or divorcee aged 35–45.
• Knowing these rules early avoids wasted time and disappointment later.

Step 2: Obtain Medical Certification

Couples must secure a certificate from the District Medical Board confirming that surrogacy is medically necessary. This certification is the foundation of the entire process and without it, surrogacy cannot legally begin.

Step 3: Choose the Right Clinic

Only registered surrogacy clinics can legally handle the procedure. A good clinic ensures compliance with the law, transparent documentation, and access to counseling services.

Step 4: Identify a Surrogate

Because commercial surrogacy is banned, surrogates are usually relatives or known individuals. The surrogate must meet strict eligibility rules:

• Age 25–35, ever-married, with at least one child.
• She can only be a surrogate once in her life.
• Must be medically and psychologically fit.

Step 5: Choosing the Right Donor (If Needed)

In some cases, one donor gamete (egg or sperm) may be required, which is now legally permitted under the 2024 amendment if medically certified. Donors must be sourced through registered ART banks and undergo full medical and genetic screening.

Step 6: Legal Agreements and Insurance

Before embryo transfer, all parties must sign a written surrogacy agreement. This covers medical expenses and insurance, but not compensation. The intending parents must also provide 36 months of insurance for the surrogate, covering pregnancy and postpartum care.

Step 7: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Monitoring

Once certification, agreements, and donor or surrogate selection are complete, the IVF and embryo transfer process can begin. Doctors monitor the pregnancy closely to ensure the health of both the surrogate and the child.

Step 8: Post-Birth Legal Process

After delivery, a court order establishes the parentage of the child, and the birth certificate is issued in the name of the intending parents. This secures the child’s legal identity and prevents disputes.

Overall Timeline: 4–12 Months

Although each step varies in length depending on personal and medical factors, most surrogacy journeys in India take between 4 and 12 months before pregnancy is achieved. This includes medical certification, legal processes, donor selection if required, and preparation for embryo transfer.

Step 9: Emotional Preparation

Surrogacy is not only a medical procedure but also an emotional journey. Couples and surrogates benefit from counseling, honest communication about expectations, and support systems to handle stress, stigma, or setbacks along the way.

Conclusion

Surrogacy in India requires careful preparation, legal compliance, and emotional readiness. While the journey can feel long — usually several months before pregnancy begins — the structured process ensures safety, legality, and protection for everyone involved. With patience and planning, families can approach surrogacy with confidence and compassion.