How to Become a Surrogate Mother in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a surrogate mother is a life-changing decision. It requires emotional strength, physical health, and a deep sense of commitment. Many women choose this path to help couples struggling with infertility. If you want to understand how to become a surrogate mother, this guide will walk you through every step.

Whether you’re wondering “I want to be a surrogate” or exploring the surrogacy program process in India, here’s what you need to know.

1: Understand What Surrogacy Means

Before starting, you must know who is a surrogate mother. A surrogate is a woman who carries a baby for intended parents. In India, surrogacy is strictly regulated under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act to protect both the surrogate and the intended parents.

There are two types of surrogacy:

• Gestational surrogacy – The surrogate carries an embryo created via IVF, using the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes.
  
• Traditional surrogacy – The surrogate’s own egg is used. This is not permitted in India.

Step 2: Meet the Legal Requirements

If you want to become a surrogate mother in India, you must meet specific legal guidelines:

• You must be married and have a child of your own.
  
• Your age should be between 21 and 39 years.
  
• You must pass medical and psychological screenings.
  
• You cannot be a surrogate more than once in your lifetime.
  

These rules ensure the well-being of the surrogate and the child.

Step 3: Choose the Right Surrogacy Program

Finding the right surrogacy program is crucial. A good program will guide you through legal, medical, and emotional steps.
Look for:

• Licensed surrogacy agencies.
  
• Transparent contracts.
  
• Medical facilities with high IVF success rates.
  

If you become a surrogate in India through a trusted program, you’ll have better support throughout the journey.

Step 4: Medical and Psychological Evaluation

To become a surrogate mother, you must be in excellent health.
Expect tests like:

• Hormone levels.
  
• Uterus health scans.
  
• Blood tests.
  
• Infectious disease screenings.
  

Psychological evaluations are equally important. Surrogacy is an emotional process, so mental readiness is key.

Step 5: Legal Documentation

Once you’re accepted into a surrogacy program, legal agreements are signed.
These include:

• Compensation details (only medical expenses are allowed in altruistic surrogacy).
  
• Health care responsibilities.
  
• Parental rights of the intended parents.
  

In India, the law requires contracts to be notarized and approved by the relevant authorities.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy

The medical process starts with IVF. Doctors create embryos from the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes and transfer them into your uterus.

You’ll receive medications for ovarian stimulation and to prepare your uterus. Regular check-ups ensure the baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.

Step 7: Delivery and Handover

Once the baby is born, legal handover happens immediately. The birth certificate lists the intended parents’ names. Your role as a surrogate mother ends, but the joy of helping a family lasts forever.

Emotional Aspects of Becoming a Surrogate Mother

It’s natural to have mixed emotions. While you won’t raise the child, you’ll always know you played a role in creating a loving family.

Many surrogates feel a deep sense of pride and fulfillment after the process. Having a supportive surrogacy program and family helps balance emotional challenges.

Why Choose to Become a Surrogate in India?

• India has a structured legal framework.
  
• Medical facilities are advanced.
  
• The process is well-organized through licensed agencies.

If you have ever thought, “I want to be a surrogate”, India offers a safe and regulated environment.

FAQs

Q1. Who is a surrogate mother?

Ans: A surrogate mother is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for intended parents unable to conceive naturally, under a legal surrogacy agreement.

Q2. Can I become a surrogate mother in India if I am unmarried?

Ans: No. Indian law requires surrogates to be married and have at least one biological child before entering a surrogacy program.

Q3. What is the first step if I want to be a surrogate?

Ans: The first step is contacting a licensed surrogacy agency, undergoing medical screening, and ensuring you meet the legal eligibility requirements in India.

Q4. How does a surrogacy program in India work?

Ans: It involves matching with intended parents, signing legal contracts, undergoing IVF procedures, carrying the pregnancy, and handing over the baby at birth.

Q5. Can I choose the intended parents?

Ans: Yes, many programs allow surrogates to meet and agree to work with specific intended parents before starting the medical process.

Q6. Is there any payment for surrogates in India?

Ans: Only medical and related expenses are covered. Commercial surrogacy is banned, and altruistic surrogacy is the only legal option.

Q7. How long does it take to become a surrogate mother in India?

Ans: The process can take 3–6 months before pregnancy begins, depending on screenings, matching with parents, and IVF scheduling.

Conclusion

To become a surrogate mother in India, you need preparation, legal understanding, and emotional readiness. The journey may be challenging, but the joy you bring to a family is immeasurable.

If you’re ready to explore this life-changing path, our agency provides full guidance, from screening to delivery. Contact Indian Egg Donors today at (212) 661-7177 for expert support.