Surrogacy Services | IHR Guwahati

What Is Surrogacy?

The term “surrogate” comes from Latin subrogare, meaning to “substitute.” In modern medicine, surrogacy means a woman (the surrogate mother) which carries a pregnancy on behalf of another person or couple, known as the intended or commissioning parents. At the end of the process, the baby is handed over to them.

This practice has roots in history—biblical figures like Hagar and Rohini in Hindu mythology served as early examples of surrogate motherhood.

Types of Surrogacy

Traditional Surrogacy

Also called genetic or partial surrogacy, this involves artificially inseminating the surrogate with the intended father’s sperm. Because the surrogate uses her own egg, she is genetically related to the baby. Due to ethical and legal complexities, this method is no longer practiced in many countries and is not recommended by FIGO or ICMR.

Gestational Surrogacy

Known as IVF or host surrogacy, this is the legally accepted method in India. An embryo—created using the intended parents’ or donor gametes—is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. The first successful IVF surrogacy was reported in 1985 in the USA.

Legal Framework in India

Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted—surrogates are not paid beyond covering medical and associated costs, plus insurance. Commercial surrogacy is illegal in India.

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 came into effect on January 25, 2022, defining eligibility and processes.

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Who Needs Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is recommended in cases such as:

Congenital absence of uterus e.g. Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome.
Loss of uterus following serious obstetrical complications such as intra and postpartum haemorrhages or ruptured uterus.
Repeated miscarriages.
Severe medical conditions, (for example heart and renal diseases) in whom pregnancy would be life-threatening. However, their long term prospect for health is good.
After removal of the uterus (Hysterectomy) for any reason like cancer in the cervix etc.
Repeated unexplained IVF failures despite the retrieval of good quality embryos.
Persistent thin endometrium.
Inoperable Asherman Syndrome (Uterine Synechiae).
High risk of Uterine rupture (e.g. after multiple Cesarean deliveries).
Severe Adenomyosis.
Women with disorders that prevent conception or cause miscarriage, E.g. women with Auto-Immune disorders, blood clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden, etc.

Why Choose IHR Guwahati ?

Expertise in Gestational Surrogacy:

Ethical, legally compliant, and patient-centered

Personalized Care:

From medical evaluations and legal guidance to psychological support and safe delivery

Complete Support System:

Includes genetic counseling, experienced IVF team, and postnatal care

Transparent Processes:

From eligibility checks to legal documentation and long-term follow-up