The Nagpur District Medical Board, under the leadership of Chairperson and Civil Surgeon Dr. Nivrutti Rathod on Thursday made a groundbreaking decision by granting approval for the city’s inaugural surrogacy case. This significant development could potentially establish a framework for ethical and controlled surrogacy practices in Nagpur, presenting a vital solution for couples facing challenges with infertility.
Surrogacy is a process where a woman, referred to as a surrogate mother, carrying and giving birth to a baby on behalf of another couple. This arrangement is sought by couples who are unable to conceive naturally or face medical conditions that prohibit them from carrying a pregnancy themselves.
The intended parents, the couple desiring to have a child, contribute the egg and sperm, which are subsequently fertilized via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) before being implanted into the surrogate mother’s womb.
“This decision marks a significant step forward for Nagpur. We are committed to ensuring that surrogacy practices in our city are conducted ethically and transparently, adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Surrogacy Act 2021,” expressed Dr. Rathod. He stated that the board followed all legal protocols, conducting thorough interviews with both the prospective parents and the surrogate mother before granting approval.
“The board conducted meticulous investigations. This involves personal interviews with the intended parents and the surrogate mother to ensure the process is free from coercion or exploitation. Our members also thoroughly examined medical reports, both physical and mental, of all parties involved to guarantee the well-being of everyone throughout the journey. This rigorous approach ensures ethical and responsible surrogacy practices in Nagpur,” said Dr Rathod.
Under his leadership, the District Medical Board includes gynaecologist and medical superintendent Dr. Seema Parvekar, senior gynaecologist Dr. Madhuri Thorat, Dr. Jayashree Vaidya, and senior paediatrician Dr. Dilip Madavi. The Surrogacy Regulation Act of 2021 establishes a precise legal structure for ethical surrogacy practices in India, prioritizing the welfare of both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. The Act prohibits commercial surrogacy, thereby restricting any financial compensation beyond reasonable expenses incurred by the surrogate mother.