Some in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres in the city have decided to direct foreign nationals of eight European countries wanting to opt for surrogacy-aided IVF treatment, to their respective consulates before starting treatment.
The centres’ decision comes after consul generals of
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and Czech Republic notified more than ten IVF centres in the city to not offer surrogacy treatment to nationals of their countries. The letter also made note of the fact that surrogacy contracts were illegal in their countries.
“It’s good that the consulates wrote to us and asked to direct their citizens to them in case of a surrogacy request. It’s in the best interest of the baby who’s born in India to a surrogate mother but faces citizenship issues in his parents’ country,” said Dr Anjali Malpani, infertility specialist.
She added that most good infertility specialists in the city already do that keeping in mind the problems that such a child could face.
“We welcome this move by the consulates. But foreign nationals make up for just 10 per cent of our patients. So we aren’t affected,” said Dr Hrishikesh Pai, infertility specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Bandra.
The notification is especially clear in the absence of clear-cut guidelines from the Indian government about surrogacy and foreign nationals, according to Dr Kedar Ganla, IVF fertility physician, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai.
“We will comply with all laws and will function according to the letter but foreign nationals coming here for surrogacy should also get proper legal opinion in their country before they come to us,” said Ganla.
While some IVF experts have welcomed this communication from the consulates, several ethical issues regarding surrogacy still remain to be clarified.
“Ethical guidelines need to be drafted to make sure errant doctors don’t misuse the system to make money,” said Amit Karkhanis, a medico-legal expert.