A new ray of hope has appeared for couples who dream of becoming parents through surrogacy. The Central Government has issued Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules to allow the use of donor gametes (eggs and sperm) if one partner of the couple is certified to be incapable of using his or her gametes (eggs or sperm) due to a medical condition. , amended in 2022.
Why was the new rule made?
Under normal circumstances, a couple undergoing surrogacy must have both gametes from the intended couple. Many times it used to happen that one of the two was facing a medical condition when he could not donate his gametes for surrogacy and in such a situation it became difficult for the couple to become parents. Now with the new rules it will become easier for them to become parents.
What does the New Testament say?
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024, notified by the government, state that the district medical board will have to certify that one of the spouses is suffering from such a condition. It further states that "Surrogacy using donor gametes is permitted subject to the condition that the child born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intended couple." The rule also states, "A single woman (widow or divorcee) who wishes to undergo surrogacy must use her eggs and a donor's sperm."
Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court
A notification issued by the Center in March 2023 banning donor gametes for couples seeking surrogacy led to petitions being filed in the courts seeking relief based on medical reports showing that the eggs Were unable to be produced. The notification states that interested single mothers also cannot use donor eggs. When so many petitions came, the Supreme Court asked the Central Government to reconsider its 2023 notification. Officials said the recent amendment allowing donor gametes is a result of that.
(PC: Freepik)
