Bill on surrogacy evokes mixed response


Team Udayavani, Jan 13, 2019, 6:12 AM IST

Mumbai: The Centre’s bill prohibiting commercial surrogacy has evoked a mixed response, with some welcoming it while others raising doubts over its efficacy.

The Lok Sabha had last month passed the bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows the process only by close relatives for ‘altruistic’ reasons.

Surrogacy refers to a contract whereby a woman carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child for another person or another couple, who will ultimately be the baby’s parent(s).

National Commission for Women’s former member Nirmala Samant Prabhawalkar said the bill has been brought to regulate the “uncontrolled” practice of surrogacy, but it still has some “grey areas”.

“There was massive exploitation which forced the regulation, but there is scope to improve the legislation further,” she said.

Another Mumbai-based advocate Siddh Vidya said she was in favour of making the laws tough, but found the term ‘altruistic’ a bit unrealistic.

“Confrontation between the family going for surrogacy and the surrogate mother is inevitable even if the latter may not develop an emotional bond with the child,” she said.

Vidya had earlier moved the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, alleging that many big hospitals in Mumbai and doctors were minting money by facilitating surrogacy.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda had earlier said that under the law, only defined mother and family can avail of surrogacy and it was not permitted for live-in partners or single parents.

Dr Suruchi Desai, a gynaecologist at the Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital here, said the bill needs to clearly define who is a close relative and who can be a surrogate.

The legislation will hamper medical tourism in India, but at the same time reduce the exploitation of women who are forced to turn to surrogacy due to financial crisis, she said.

Navi Mumbai-based chartered accountant Sunil Satghare, however, was sad as his son and daughter-in-law, settled in the US, wanted to have a child through surrogacy in India, but could not go for it after learning about the new legislation.

“It’s ok to regulate rules and stop misuse of surrogacy. But, making it too stringent is not good for those who want to enjoy parenthood,” he said.

City resident Shubhangi Bhostekar claimed to be a victim of surrogacy ‘racket’, but was now hopeful that the new rules will be followed “in letter and spirit”.

“I have two daughters, still my husband managed to have a male child through surrogacy,” she said, adding that she had last year filed a complaint against her spouse with the Mumbai Police and the child rights’ commission.

A surrogate mother, who did not wish to be identified, said people from across globe come to India to have a baby because the women delivering children through this method here are “extremely cooperative and obey their agreement clauses”.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Related Articles More

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules

Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court

Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr

Mangaluru: Vishwa Konkani Samaroh to be held on Nov 5 and 6

Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.