The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the amendment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 to provide for rights of child born through surrogacy to that of a natural child or biological child and mandate for surrogacy clinics to be registered with the appropriate authorities in the states.
The amendments include 16 months of extended insurance coverage for the surrogate mother to cover complications and a strict clause to safeguard the surrogate mother from exploitation as well.
Besides, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) now has been kept out of the purview of the Bill.
It was further stated that it would ensure effective regulation of surrogacy, prohibit commercial surrogacy and allow altruistic surrogacy to needy Indian infertile couples.
Once it becomes recognised as an Act, it will regulate surrogacy services in the country, control unethical practices in surrogacy as well as prevent commercialization of the same and also prohibit potential exploitation of both, the surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy.
The Bill, applicable to whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir, proposes to regulate surrogacy in India by establishing National Surrogacy Board at the central level and State Surrogacy Boards and appropriate authorities in the states and union territories.
