Choosing the right surrogate is one of the most critical decisions intended parents will make during the surrogacy journey. It’s not just about medical fitness—it’s also about emotional readiness, legal compliance, and a shared understanding of the responsibilities involved. At Surrogacy Centre India, we follow a comprehensive and lawful screening process to help ensure that surrogates are physically healthy, psychologically sound, and aligned with the values of altruistic surrogacy.
Why Screening Matters
Under the Surrogacy Act, and its 2024 amendment, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed in India. That means the surrogate must be a close relative of the intended couple and cannot be financially compensated beyond approved medical and insurance expenses.
Given these restrictions, careful screening is not optional—it’s legally required and ethically necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved, especially the baby.
Who Can Be a Surrogate in India?
According to Indian law, a surrogate must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Close Relative: The surrogate must be a close blood relative of either the intended mother or father. This ensures that the act is altruistic and rooted in family support.
- Age Range: She must be between 25 and 35 years of age. This age window is considered optimal for healthy pregnancy outcomes.
- Proven Fertility: She should have given birth to at least one healthy child of her own. This confirms her reproductive capacity and reduces pregnancy risks.
- One-time Surrogacy: A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime, which limits medical strain and maintains ethical boundaries.
- Mental and Physical Health: She must pass multiple health and psychological screenings to ensure she is fit for the process and aware of the responsibilities involved.
The Surrogate Screening Process at Surrogacy Centre India
Our clinic uses a step-by-step evaluation protocol based on medical best practices and legal requirements:
- Medical Screening
The surrogate undergoes:
- Comprehensive physical examination: Includes blood tests, pelvic exams, and general health assessments.
- Fertility testing: Confirms that her uterus and reproductive system are healthy.
- STD screening: Ensures she is free from infections that could affect the fetus.
These tests help prevent health complications and ensure that the surrogate is capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
- Psychological Evaluation
Our licensed counselors assess:
- Emotional readiness: To ensure the surrogate understands the process and is mentally prepared.
- Informed consent: Confirming she fully agrees with the arrangement without coercion or emotional distress.
This is a critical step, especially because surrogacy involves separation after birth.
- Family and Social Assessment
- We verify that the surrogate’s family environment is stable and that her partner (if married) is supportive of the decision.
- This helps avoid emotional complications and ensures the surrogate has a reliable support system during the pregnancy.
- Legal Counseling and Documentation
- Surrogates are educated about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
- A legal agreement is signed in the presence of witnesses and legal advisors, ensuring full transparency and legal protection for both parties.
Matching and Relationship Building
We also facilitate structured meetings between the intending parents and the surrogate. This step fosters:
- Trust and transparency
- Open communication
- Clarity about expectations
While this is not a friendship-based arrangement, mutual respect and emotional maturity go a long way in ensuring a smooth journey.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a surrogate is more than ticking boxes—it’s about finding someone who can responsibly carry a child in a legally compliant, medically safe, and emotionally stable environment. At Surrogacy Centre India, we guide you through every step of screening and selection to protect your future family.
With over a decade of experience and a track record of ethical surrogacy programs, we ensure that every surrogate meets the highest legal and health standards.