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India unveils plans to ban surrogacy India unveils plans to ban surrogacy
(2 days later)
The Indian government has unveiled a draft law which would ban commercial surrogacy.The Indian government has unveiled a draft law which would ban commercial surrogacy.
If approved by parliament, the law will also ban people who do not hold an Indian passport, as well as Indian single parents and gay people, from having children through surrogacy.If approved by parliament, the law will also ban people who do not hold an Indian passport, as well as Indian single parents and gay people, from having children through surrogacy.
Infertile couples would be able to seek a surrogate, which must be a relative.Infertile couples would be able to seek a surrogate, which must be a relative.
Infertility groups have criticised the proposed law, saying it could lead to an illegal industry.Infertility groups have criticised the proposed law, saying it could lead to an illegal industry.
India surrogate mothers talk of pain of giving up babyIndia surrogate mothers talk of pain of giving up baby
Despair over ban in India's surrogacy hubDespair over ban in India's surrogacy hub
Living inside the house of surrogatesLiving inside the house of surrogates
Surrogate babies: Where can you have them, and is it legal?Surrogate babies: Where can you have them, and is it legal?
India is called the "surrogacy hub" of the world, where infertile couples, including many from overseas, pay local women to carry their embryos through to birth.India is called the "surrogacy hub" of the world, where infertile couples, including many from overseas, pay local women to carry their embryos through to birth.
The industry is estimated to be worth more than $1bn (£758m) a year. But there have been growing concerns over the unregulated business.The industry is estimated to be worth more than $1bn (£758m) a year. But there have been growing concerns over the unregulated business.
'Comprehensive bill''Comprehensive bill'
Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that under the proposed law, only local infertile couples, married for at least five years, would be able to seek a surrogate, who must be a close relativeForeign Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that under the proposed law, only local infertile couples, married for at least five years, would be able to seek a surrogate, who must be a close relative
"This is a comprehensive bill to completely ban commercial surrogacy," she told reporters."This is a comprehensive bill to completely ban commercial surrogacy," she told reporters.
"Childless couples, who are medically unfit to have children, can take help from a close relative, which is called altruistic surrogacy," she said."Childless couples, who are medically unfit to have children, can take help from a close relative, which is called altruistic surrogacy," she said.
Many have criticised the move, saying couples desperate to have children would be left with few options.Many have criticised the move, saying couples desperate to have children would be left with few options.
"While we need regulations to ensure that no women are forced into surrogacy, an outright ban isn't logical," fertility expert Archana Dhawan Bajaj told AFP news agency."While we need regulations to ensure that no women are forced into surrogacy, an outright ban isn't logical," fertility expert Archana Dhawan Bajaj told AFP news agency.
Some have criticised the draft law, saying it takes away the rights of women.Some have criticised the draft law, saying it takes away the rights of women.
Others said the law discriminated against gay people.Others said the law discriminated against gay people.
India has one-third of the world's poorest people. Critics argue that poverty is a major factor driving women to become surrogate mothers in exchange for money.India has one-third of the world's poorest people. Critics argue that poverty is a major factor driving women to become surrogate mothers in exchange for money.
Have you used, or have you been planning to use, a surrogate mother in India? We'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this story. You can email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk and if you are happy to speak to a BBC journalist please include a telephone number.
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