Gestational Surrogacy

The journey to parenthood is not always a straight path, but the destination—holding your healthy baby in your arms—is always worth it. For many couples facing complex medical challenges, the dream of a biological child can seem distant. Gestational surrogacy bridges that gap, offering a miracle when traditional conception isn’t possible.

At Ferty9, we understand the deep emotional weight of this decision. It is important to clarify the most common misconception immediately: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has No genetic link to your baby. She is a compassionate carrier who nurtures your child until birth. Your baby is created using your eggs and sperm (or donor gametes if medically indicated), ensuring the biological connection remains entirely with you.

With success rates ranging from 55% to 75%, our program combines advanced medical science with strict legal compliance and heartfelt support. We are here to guide you home to your baby.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is an assisted reproductive arrangement where a woman (the gestational carrier) carries a pregnancy for the Intended Parents. Unlike traditional methods, the surrogate does not provide her own egg.

• The Carrier: She provides a safe, healthy womb for the baby to grow.
• The Genetics: The embryo is created via IVF using the Intended Parents’ genetic material (or donors).
• The Result: You are the biological parents of the child born.

How Gestational Surrogacy Works

The process relies on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Eggs are retrieved from the Intended Mother (or donor) and fertilized with the Intended Father’s sperm in our state-of-the-art laboratory. The resulting healthy embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the gestational surrogate. She carries the pregnancy to term, and upon birth, the baby is legally and biologically yours.

Gestational Surrogacy vs. Other Fertility Options

Understanding how this path differs from others is crucial for making an informed decision.

Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy vs. Egg Donation

This comparison helps clarify if you need a carrier or healthy eggs.

Gestational Surrogacy vs. IVF with Intended Mother

Standard IVF is always the first choice. Surrogacy becomes necessary only when the Intended Mother cannot safely carry a pregnancy to term. If you have healthy eggs and a healthy uterus, IVF is the path. If your uterus is absent, damaged, or unable to sustain a pregnancy, or if pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk to you, gestational surrogacy is the medical solution.

Medical Conditions Indicating Need for Gestational Surrogacy

Under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, surrogacy is permitted only for specific medical indications. These include:

• MRKH Syndrome (Müllerian Agenesis): Born without a uterus or with an underdeveloped uterus.
• Unicornuate Uterus: A uterine defect (single horn) leading to severe pregnancy complications.
• Asherman’s Syndrome: Severe uterine scarring and adhesions, often from past surgeries.
• Multiple Uterine Fibroids: Large or numerous fibroids that make implantation impossible.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: 3 or more miscarriages despite healthy embryos.
• Previous Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus due to cancer or complications.
• Severe Endometriosis: Extensive tissue growth that prevents successful pregnancy carrying.
• Immune Disorders: Conditions preventing the body from sustaining a pregnancy.
• Cardiac or Respiratory Conditions: Where the physical strain of pregnancy endangers the mother’s life.
• Cancer Survivors: Post-chemotherapy cases where uterine health is compromised.
• Multiple Failed IVF Cycles: 3+ unsuccessful embryo transfers despite good quality embryos.
• Poor Egg Quality: (In conjunction with uterine issues) or advanced maternal age requiring donor help + surrogacy.

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

To proceed with surrogacy in India, strict legal criteria must be met.

Intended Parents Eligibility (India)

• Marital Status: Must be a legally married heterosexual couple (married for at least 5 years).
• Age Limits: Female: 23–50 years; Male: 26–55 years.
• Citizenship: Indian Citizens, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), or NRI.
• Medical Proof: A Certificate of Infertility/Medical Indication from a District Medical Board is mandatory.
• Parentage: The couple must have NO surviving children (biological or adopted). Exception: If they have a child with a life-threatening disorder or severe disability.
• Certificates Required: Certificate of Essentiality (from appropriate authority) and Certificate of Eligibility.
• NOT Eligible: Same-sex couples, single males, live-in partners, or foreigners (non-OCI).
• Note: Single women (widow/divorcee, age 35-45) are eligible.

Gestational Carrier (Surrogate) Requirements

• Age: 25–35 years is the preferred range.
• Marital Status: Must be a married woman with at least one child of her own.
• Health: Physically and mentally fit with no serious medical conditions.
• History: Must have at least one successful full-term delivery and no more than 3-5 total pregnancies.
• Lifetime Limit: A woman can act as a surrogate ONLY ONCE in her lifetime.
• Relationship: Initially restricted to close relatives, 2023 amendments allow any “willing woman” who meets criteria.
• Lifestyle: Non-smoker, no drug use, stable living environment.

Medical Screening Requirements

Before matching, surrogates undergo rigorous testing:

• Infectious Disease: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and CMV testing.
• Reproductive Evaluation: Transvaginal ultrasound and Hysteroscopy to confirm a healthy uterus capable of carrying a baby.
• General Health: Complete physical exam, BMI check, blood counts, thyroid function, and metabolic panels.
• Psychological: Mandatory mental health evaluation to ensure emotional readiness.

Step-by-Step Gestational Surrogacy Journey

Phase 1: Consultation & Medical Assessment (Weeks 1-4)

We begin with a free consultation to review your medical history. Our specialists assess your eligibility for surrogacy and discuss the financial and legal overview.

Phase 2: Legal & Psychological Preparation (Weeks 5-12)

We guide you through the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. You will undergo mandatory counseling and work to obtain the Certificate of Essentiality and Certificate of Medical Indication from the District Medical Board.

Phase 3: Surrogate Screening & Matching (Weeks 13-20)

A suitable surrogate is identified. She undergoes complete medical, reproductive, and psychological screening. We facilitate an introduction meeting to ensure compatibility and alignment of expectations.

Phase 4: Legal Contracts & Parentage Order (Weeks 21-28)

Lawyers draft a comprehensive Altruistic Surrogacy Agreement. This covers medical coverage, insurance (36 months), and responsibilities. A Parentage Order application is filed with a First Class Magistrate to establish your legal rights.

Phase 5: IVF Cycle – Egg Retrieval (Weeks 29-44)

The Intended Mother (or donor) undergoes ovarian stimulation. We monitor egg growth and perform the egg retrieval. In the lab, eggs are fertilized with the father’s sperm to create embryos, which may undergo genetic testing (PGT) if needed.

Phase 6: Surrogate Preparation & Embryo Transfer (Weeks 45-60)

The surrogate takes medication to prepare her uterine lining. Once ready (lining >8mm), a single best-quality embryo is transferred into her uterus in a quick, painless procedure. She rests, and hormonal support continues.

Phase 7: Pregnancy Confirmation (Weeks 61-74)

10-12 days after transfer, a Beta HCG blood test confirms pregnancy. An ultrasound at 6 weeks confirms the fetal heartbeat.

Phase 8: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care (Weeks 75-200)

The surrogate receives regular prenatal care, including scans, nutritional counseling, and health checkups. You are kept informed at every milestone.

Phase 9: Labor, Delivery & Birth (Weeks 201-210)

Delivery takes place at Ferty9 or a partner hospital. The medical team manages the birth, ensuring the safety of both surrogate and baby.

Phase 10: Legal Finalization & Transition (Weeks 211-220)

The birth certificate is issued with the Intended Parents’ names. The surrogate is discharged with post-delivery care and support, marking the completion of her noble journey.

Gestational Surrogacy Success Rates

Success largely depends on the quality of the egg/embryo.

• Success by Intended Mother’s Age (Own Eggs):
  • Under 35: 55-60%
  • 35-37 years: 42-50%
  • 38-40 years: 27-40%
  • Over 40: 15-30%
• Success with Donor Eggs: 85-99% (Since egg quality is optimal).
• Surrogate Factor: Using a screened, healthy surrogate (age 25-35) significantly boosts live birth rates.
• Cumulative Success: While the first transfer has a ~55% success rate, cumulative success after 2-3 attempts rises to 75-90%.

Gestational Surrogacy Cost at Ferty9

At Ferty9, we believe in complete financial transparency. In accordance with Indian law, our program is Altruistic, meaning there is no commercial payment to the surrogate. Costs cover medical and legal necessities:

• Medical Procedures: IVF cycle, ICSI, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
• Surrogate Care: Pre-natal checkups, delivery charges, nutritional support, and postpartum care.
• Insurance: Mandatory 36-month health insurance coverage for the surrogate.
• Legal & Administrative: Legal documentation, affidavit processing, and clinic administrative fees.

Please contact us for a customized fee structure based on your specific medical needs.

Why Choose Ferty9 for Gestational Surrogacy?

• Strict Legal Compliance: We strictly adhere to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, ensuring your journey is legally secure.
• High Success Rates: Our advanced lab technology and rigorous screening protocols deliver superior outcomes.
• Comprehensive Support: From legal paperwork to emotional counselling, we handle every detail.
• Ethical Care: We prioritize the health and dignity of our surrogates, ensuring they are treated with the utmost respect and care.