Union Cabinet clears Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 – Know the new rules

New Delhi: In a landmark move, the Union Cabinet, Wednesday, gave its nod for introduction of Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 that prohibits commercial surrogacy and allow ethical surrogacy to needy infertile couples.

Briefing reporters, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “Bill comes as India has emerged as a surrogacy hub for couples and incidents reported on unethical practices.”

“Altruistic surrogacy will only be allowed for Indian citizens, not NRIs or OCI card holders,” she said, while adding that single parents, homosexual couples, live-in relationships couples will not be allowed altruistic surrogacy.

“If you have a biological child or an adopted child, then altruistic surrogacy won' t be allowed,” she said. The minister said that this clause was put in place to ensure that there is no different treatment for the two kids while they're being raised, or later to avoid fights over property.

To ensure adherence to the rules, the government will set up a National Surrogacy Board at the central level and State Surrogacy Boards in State and UTs will be formed, the minister said.

Taking a dig at celebrities, Swaraj said that something that started as a necessity has now become a fad.

“Big celebrities who not only have one but two children, a son and a daughter, even then they went ahead with surrogacy,” she said.