Surrogacy Process 2026
Complete Step-by-Step Guide from Legal Procedures to Medical Journey - SheIVF Expert Support
Understanding The Surrogacy Process
Comprehensive guide to gestational altruistic surrogacy in India 2026
What is the Surrogacy Process?
The surrogacy process is a carefully coordinated journey that combines medical procedures, legal formalities, and emotional support to help intended parents achieve their dream of having a child. In India, this process is strictly regulated under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, ensuring ethical practices and legal protection for all parties involved.
Why Understanding the Process is Crucial
Navigating the surrogacy journey requires clear understanding of:
Types of Surrogacy Arrangements
Understanding different surrogacy models and India's legal framework
Comparison of Surrogacy Types (2026)
| Type | Genetic Connection | Legal Status in India 2026 | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Surrogacy | Surrogate is biological mother | Not Permitted | Surrogate's egg + intended father's/donor sperm via artificial insemination |
| Gestational Surrogacy | No genetic link to surrogate | Permitted | IVF embryo (intended parents' or donors' genetic material) transferred to surrogate |
| Altruistic Surrogacy | Varies (usually gestational) | Only Legal Option | Surrogate receives only medical expenses + insurance; must be close relative |
| Commercial Surrogacy | Varies | Banned | Surrogate receives financial compensation beyond medical costs; illegal in India |
5-Step Surrogacy Process in India 2026
Comprehensive journey from consultation to bringing your baby home
Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
Duration: 1-2 Months
Key Activities:
- Comprehensive medical evaluation of intended parents
- Review of legal eligibility as per Surrogacy Regulation Act 2021
- Identification of suitable surrogate (close married relative)
- Psychological assessment and counseling sessions
- Initial fertility testing and medical screenings
Legal Formalities & Court Approvals
Duration: 4-8 Months
Key Activities:
- Drafting of comprehensive surrogacy agreement
- Application to District Medical Board for Certificate of Essentiality
- Filing petition in district court for parentage order
- Obtaining insurance coverage for surrogate
- Notarization of all legal documents
IVF & Medical Procedures
Duration: 1-2 Months
Key Activities:
- Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval from intended mother/donor
- Sperm collection from intended father/donor
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI procedure
- Embryo culture and quality assessment
- Embryo transfer to surrogate's uterus
- Optional: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Pregnancy Monitoring & Care
Duration: 9 Months
Key Activities:
- Regular ultrasound monitoring and medical check-ups
- Hormonal support and medication management
- Nutritional counseling for surrogate
- Regular updates and involvement of intended parents
- Preparation for delivery and birth plan development
Delivery & Post-Birth Formalities
Duration: 1-2 Months
Key Activities:
- Hospital admission and delivery (normal/C-section)
- Immediate parent-child bonding
- Birth certificate registration with intended parents' names
- Postpartum care for surrogate
- For international parents: Passport and visa processing
- Final legal documentation and discharge
Medical Procedure Details
In-depth look at the IVF and embryo transfer process in surrogacy
Ovarian Stimulation
10-12 days of hormone injections to stimulate multiple egg development
Egg Retrieval
Minor surgical procedure under sedation to collect mature eggs
Fertilization
IVF or ICSI to fertilize eggs with sperm in laboratory
Embryo Culture
3-5 day monitoring in controlled laboratory environment
Embryo Transfer
Transfer of best-quality embryo to surrogate's uterus
Pregnancy Test
Blood test 10-14 days after transfer to confirm pregnancy
Advanced Medical Technologies at SheIVF
- Time-Lapse Embryo Monitoring: Continuous observation without disturbing embryo development
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Direct sperm injection for male factor infertility
- Assisted Hatching: Helping embryos implant in surrogate's uterus
- PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Screening embryos for genetic abnormalities
- Vitrification: Advanced freezing techniques for eggs/embryos
- ERA Test: Determining optimal time for embryo transfer
Surrogacy Process Timeline 2026
Month-by-month breakdown of your surrogacy journey
Months 1-2: Initial Phase
Activities: Medical consultations, eligibility verification, surrogate identification
Key Milestone: Completion of all preliminary medical tests
Documents: Medical certificates, marriage proof, surrogate consent forms
Months 3-8: Legal Process
Activities: Court filings, medical board certifications, legal documentation
Key Milestone: Obtainment of court order for parentage rights
Critical: No embryo transfer can occur without court order
Month 9: Medical Procedures
Activities: IVF cycle, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer
Key Milestone: Embryo transfer to surrogate
Medical: 10-14 days wait for pregnancy confirmation
Months 10-18: Pregnancy & Birth
Activities: Pregnancy monitoring, regular check-ups, delivery preparation
Key Milestone: Birth of baby and parentage establishment
Final Steps: Birth certificate, passport (if international), discharge
Months Legal Process
Months Pregnancy
Months Total
Surrogacy Process FAQs 2026
Common questions about the surrogacy journey in India
Answer: The complete surrogacy process typically takes 14-18 months from initial consultation to bringing your baby home:
- Initial Phase (1-2 months): Consultation, medical tests, surrogate identification
- Legal Process (4-8 months): Court approvals and documentation
- Medical Procedures (1-2 months): IVF, embryo creation and transfer
- Pregnancy (9 months): Gestation period
- Birth & Documentation (1-2 months): Delivery and legal formalities
The legal process is often the most variable timeframe depending on court schedules.
Answer: The medical process involves several key procedures:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone injections to produce multiple eggs
- Egg Retrieval: Minor surgical procedure to collect eggs
- Sperm Collection: From intended father or donor
- IVF/ICSI: Fertilization of eggs in laboratory
- Embryo Culture: 3-5 days monitoring embryo development
- Embryo Transfer: Placing embryo in surrogate's uterus
- Pregnancy Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds and check-ups
Answer: The legal process is comprehensive and involves multiple steps:
- Document Collection (1-2 weeks): Gathering all required certificates and proofs
- District Medical Board (2-4 weeks): Obtaining Certificate of Essentiality
- Court Filing (1-2 weeks): Preparing and submitting petition
- Court Hearings (3-6 months): Multiple hearings and proceedings
- Order Issuance (2-4 weeks): Receiving final court order
- Insurance & Agreements (2-4 weeks): Finalizing legal contracts
Court schedules can vary significantly between different districts and states in India.
Answer: If the first embryo transfer doesn't result in pregnancy:
- Medical Review: Comprehensive analysis of the cycle to identify potential issues
- Additional Testing: Further investigations like ERA test, immune testing
- Protocol Adjustment: Modified medication and transfer protocol
- Frozen Embryo Transfer: Use of frozen embryos from the same cycle
- Additional IVF Cycle: If needed, another egg retrieval cycle may be recommended
Answer: Intended parents are actively involved throughout the pregnancy:
- Regular Updates: Weekly updates from medical team
- Ultrasound Participation: Virtual or in-person attendance at key ultrasounds
- Communication with Surrogate: Regular contact as agreed in surrogacy agreement
- Medical Decisions: Involvement in important medical decisions
- Birth Planning: Active participation in delivery planning
- Counseling Sessions: Joint counseling with surrogate if desired
SheIVF facilitates healthy communication and involvement while respecting all parties' privacy and boundaries.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey Today
Get personalized guidance on the complete surrogacy process 2026
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Why SheIVF for Your Surrogacy Process?
- Process Expertise: 15+ years experience managing complete surrogacy journeys
- Legal Partnership: In-house legal team for smooth court approvals
- Medical Excellence: Advanced IVF technology with high success rates
- End-to-End Support: From consultation to bringing baby home
- Transparent Process: Clear timeline, regular updates, no hidden steps
- International Experience: Expertise with foreign intended parents