Commercial use of womb rising

Hyderabad: Despite the call for stricter laws to monitor surrogacy, gay couples continue to communicate via agencies with in-vitro fertilisation centers in the city for surrogate mothers.

Commercial surrogacy is a major concern where a human womb is exploited for money. A recent warning by the SC had brought in focus the issue of surrogacy where experts claimed that there was a need for strict laws to curb these practices. Many agencies call on IVF centers posing as representatives of desperate childless couples but further cross-questioning and detailed inquiry reveals a different picture.

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Dr K. Anuradha, senior infertility specialist in the city, said, “The commercial exploitation of women for surrogacy, whether for gay couples or childless couples, is a concern. This is one area where there is a strong need to have proper guidelines. Presently, those who are below 30 and have at least two children of their own are considered candidates for surrogate mothers. But how many times can they offer themselves is not clear. This requires clarity.”

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Experts state that a women can offer her womb only once or twice. The first alternative for a surrogate mother must be a close family member and only if they are not comfortable then an outsider is considered. Similarly, many young women list themselves for donor eggs, which are used for women whose eggs are inadequate. Dr Preeti Reddy, senior infertility specialist said, “A woman can donate her eggs only three times. This is because the stimulated ovulation carries the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Hence it is very important to have a clear framework of guidelines. In its absence, what is exactly going on in a centre is not known and that creates trouble for all.”

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill was drafted in 2010 and the health ministry, after the recent SC warning, has stated that they are open to recommendations till November 15. In a recent meeting of NCW, it was proposed that there must be a ban on NRIs and foreign nationals to have children via surrogacy in India.

Dr Roya Rozati, convener for preparation of the guidelines, said, “We have to consider all aspects before finalising these clauses as there is a need to understand that people of Indian origin prefer Indian donors for their ethnicity. They can’t be denied that right. The issues of commercial surrogacy have to be dealt with strictly and the guidelines will work on the same.