99th BLOG POST -->>
In last two weeks, there were two different
news about surrogacy. The Maternity Benefits (Amendment) bill passed by the
Rajya Sabha on 20 March in which some acts are changed related to surrogacy. Second
news was from our film industry that a film maker get twins. Two or three
years ago, surrogacy was a big topic of discussion. Although surrogacy has
existed since ancient times, it does not seem to have been a popular practice
among childless couples to formally seek out a surrogate. In ancient time, no
surrogacy medical technique was introduced so that time did not require the
actual consummation of the sexual act.
As science is boon as well as curse . Now medically
advanced techniques are available. Artificial insemination opened the way to
traditional surrogacy. The surrogate mother is impregnated with the sperm of
the intended father. The surrogate mother is also known as the genetic mother.
Surrogacy is not an accepted procedure in many countries, although some are more
lenient towards altruistic surrogacy. Some countries strictly prohibit
commercial surrogacy. In some country it becomes business and in India it is a
fast growing business. India is increasingly becoming a sought after country
for surrogate mothers. Surrogacy was legalized in India in 2002. It became popular
in 2003 when a Doctor successfully delivered a surrogate child through
gestational surrogacy using the genetic grandmother as a surrogate mother.
The dictionary meaning of “surrogate mother” is
a woman who bears a child on behalf of another woman, either from her own egg
fertilized by the other woman's partner, or from the implantation in her uterus
of a fertilized egg from the other woman.
According to a health agency, some 12% of women of reproductive age have trouble getting pregnant
or carrying a pregnancy to term. While fertility treatments are evolving, some aspiring
mothers' best option especially if they don't have eggs or their eggs are unhealthy
is to work with a surrogate who becomes pregnant using the would be mom's chosen sperm
and the surrogate's own egg.
I am constantly amazed at the strength,
resilience and determination of these women. They are supporting women through
infertility. In such women you can see their endless capacity to love and care
for their surrogate baby. Such women are grateful for those she is carrying
baby. A good ideology behind this is that “maybe
you can not change the world but you can give the world to someone and change
their life.” Good point is that women felt so privileged to be able to do
this.
Such women fulfill the happiness
of another couple. She felt in a very real way that she had made their
happiness possible. It
will be a very different feeling from having her own child. May be she felt
like she was simply returning the baby that they had given her to care for nine
months.
I was watching some episodes related to
surrogacy. Words can't describe how they felt when they saw the intended
parents catch the first glimpse of their newborn son nor can they describe the
completeness I am sure they felt that day. There truly is no greater gift a
woman can give. Surrogacy is essentially a giving, fulfilling, and priceless
act on the part of a surrogate mother. This privilege of feeling as a giver is
articulated and emphasized in some contexts, but is taken away in other contexts
such as India, where a surrogate mother is simply left with a feeling of being
just a receiver.
While writing this post
I was come to know that there are several ways you can find a surrogate mother. You can ask your friend or relative to
be a surrogate for you. It's somewhat controversial. And in Indian society it
is high controversial because of several Ceremony and social represents. But in developed and European country you can
find surrogacy agency. There
are several agencies operating in the United States. They act as go-between.
An agency helps you find a surrogate and make arrangements. It also collects
fees that get passed between you and the surrogate, such as paying for her
medical expenses.
To choose a surrogate one need to follow the law
instructions which is based on the medical checkup. There are some parameters
for women like as surrogate should have at least 21 year old who has already
given birth to at least one healthy baby so she understands firsthand the
medical risks of pregnancy and childbirth and the emotional issues of bonding
with a newborn. Signs a contract about her role and responsibilities in the
pregnancy, such as prenatal care and agreeing to give you the baby after birth
Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India is different from
Europe. You can only approach a close relative for surrogacy. Commercial
surrogacy in India was legal but now the government approved a Bill that bans
commercial surrogacy, and bars married couples who have biological or adopted
children, single people, live-in partners and homosexuals from opting for
surrogacy. Surrogacy will be allowed only once. The bill effectively bans
foreigners to seek an Indian surrogate mother. This includes non-resident
Indians (NRIs). An important change is that If you're a heterosexual married
couple who have proven infertility, and you find someone who agrees to be a
surrogate mother, you can't pay her. You can pay for any and all of her medical
bills, but that's all. Now I should stop writing. Many points are available to
discuss about surrogacy. Again will meet after a break.
Thanks
Parveen Kumar Sahrawat
