Baby steps

There is,however,a strong case for regulation. Worth 2.3 billion,commercial surrogacy has reached the scale of an industry in India and draws thousands of foreigners every year,largely because it is unregulated and cheaper than in other countries. States such as Gujarat,which has a proliferation of IVF and surrogacy clinics,boast of reproductive tourism. But surrogacy in India is inevitably attended by harrowing stories of exploitation. Surrogate mothers,mostly poor and illiterate,are often made to live in secrecy,crowded into closely guarded homes and allowed limited access to their families. Forced miscarriages and sex selection are rampant. Practices like egg harvesting are carried out with little regard for the donors life. In a country with high maternal mortality rates and few reproductive rights,surrogate mothers are doubly vulnerable.

India is one of the few countries that allow commercial surrogacy. Russia,Ukraine and certain states of the US are among the other global destinations. Though reproductive tourists are welcomed,most of these places have enacted laws to regulate surrogacy. California,for instance,requires that both the intended parents and the surrogate be represented by separate legal counsel. India must also adopt and enforce responsible,safe practices.

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