// Surrogacy Treatment and Services: Cost, Risk, and Process
Surrogacy treatment and cost

Surrogacy can offer a path to parenthood for individuals and couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. It is a complex fertility arrangement involving medical, emotional, legal and ethical considerations. Understanding the surrogacy services, process, eligibility requirements, surrogacy service cost, and associated considerations can help intended parents make informed decisions.

Our Surrogacy Experts

Dr Atri Pal - IVF and Male infertility specialist in Kolkata

Dr. Atri Pal

Male Infertility Specialist | Female & Male Infertility & Surrogacy Expert
12+ years of experience
Consultation Area: Kolkata

Dr Zeba Ali - Expert Embryologist in Kolkata

Dr. Zeba Ali Jahangir

Senior Specialist Embryologist
25+ years embryology expertise
Certified PGT specialist (IGENOMIX)
Consultation Area: Kolkata


Our Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Treatment Clinics

Femcare Fertility, Kolkata

Femcare Fertility offers top-notch fertility care to the people of Kolkata through expert professionals, sophisticated reproductive technologies and well-researched strategies and techniques. We provide all fertility services at our clinic, such as diagnostic evaluation, IVF, ICSI and fertility preservation. We take a personal approach to our patients' care and treatment, are committed to providing compassionate, honest and expert care and advice.

To book an appointment in Kolkata, Call : +91-8484069668


What our patients say about us

“Had a wonderful experience at Femcare Fertility. Doctor is extremely knowledgeable, polite, and supportive throughout the journey. She explains everything patiently and makes patients feel comfortable and hopeful. The staff is also very caring and professional. Highly recommended for pregnancy care.”

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a fertility option that involves carrying and giving birth to a child for the intended parent(s). Consideration may be given to it if pregnancy is medically impossible, unsafe or not likely to result in a successful birth.
Gestational surrogacy is the most popular type of surrogacy used in modern fertility treatments, where the embryo is made through IVF and placed into the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother (gestational carrier) doesn't provide the eggs and is not the child's genetic parent.
Usually, fertility specialists, embryologists, counsellors and legal specialists participate in a surrogacy program to assist the intended parents through the process. Surrogacy treatment may be considered following a thorough fertility evaluation and consideration of medical history. Eligibility criteria and legal requirements vary from country to country and also in India.

Who Needs Surrogacy?

Surrogacy treatment can be considered for pregnancy in a variety of medical scenarios where it is impossible or uneconomical to carry a pregnancy or where it might be harmful.

Women born without a working uterus

Some women are born with congenital uterine abnormalities that prevent the uterus from developing normally, making it impossible to carry a pregnancy despite having healthy ovaries and normal egg production.

Women who have had a hysterectomy

Surrogacy may be a family-building choice for women who have had a hysterectomy for any reason, such as cancer, fibroids, or a history of severe bleeding.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Sometimes, if a woman suffers from repeated miscarriages, the fertility experts will discuss other options for reproduction like surrogacy.

Severe Uterine Conditions

Some uterine defects can make it difficult to conceive and may not allow a pregnancy to develop.

Multiple Failed IVF Attempts

If the IVF treatments are unsuccessful for a particular woman due to uterine problems, then, in certain cases, the discussion of surrogacy treatment can begin.


A fertility specialist can assess the medical history and situation of a person to check whether surrogacy treatment in India is suitable for them or not.

How the Surrogacy Process Works?

The surrogacy services India, are complex and involve various stages that need to be carefully planned and coordinated.

Step 1: Initial consultation

The first step is a consultation with the fertility specialist. Your medical history, past fertility treatments, reproductive health and family-building objectives are reviewed. Your doctor will discuss the process of surrogacy, options, and whether or not surrogacy might be an option for you.

Step 2: Fertility Evaluation

Intended parents routinely get fertility tests. This can involve blood tests, hormone test, ultrasound examination, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis and infectious disease testing. The investigations can assist the fertility team in drafting a personalised treatment plan, and determining the best course of action.

Step 3: Counselling and psychological

For everyone involved, surrogacy is an emotional experience. Professional counselling can support intended parents to learn about the emotional, psychological and practical experience of the process. It also offers tips on expectations, communication and coping skills during the surrogacy process.

Step 4: Legal Consultation

Before treatment, legal counsel is provided to all parties on relevant surrogacy law and paperwork needed. The processes may differ from country to country and from person to person, and so everyone needs to know what their rights, responsibilities and legal obligations are throughout the process.

Step 5: IVF Treatment Planning

After evaluations, a personalised IVF treatment plan is designed by the fertility experts. This involves choosing the right ovarian stimulation protocol, drug regimen, embryo formation approach and transfer schedule to boost the potential to produce healthy embryos for transfer.

Step 6: Ovarian Stimulation

When the intended mother/egg donor is contributing eggs, fertility medications are given to encourage the ovary to release more than one mature egg. Follicle growth is monitored by a regular blood test and ultrasound scan to ensure the best time for egg retrieval.

Step 7: Egg Retrieval

When mature, the eggs are retrieved in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, under sedation. With the help of ultrasound, the fertility specialist takes the eggs out of the ovary. Many patients can go home the same day as their surgery with a brief recovery period.

Step 8: Embryo Transfer

A prepared uterus is done with the proper medications, and a selected embryo is then gently placed into the uterus with a thin tube. It is a minimal procedure and does not require anaesthetic and typically requires only a few minutes.

Step 10: Pregnancy Test

A blood test is done 10-14 days after the embryo transfer to check for any sign of embryo implantation. If the result is positive, more tests of the blood and ultrasound are planned to check that the pregnancy is developing normally.

Step 11: Pregnancy Monitoring

The surrogate is provided with regular antenatal care throughout the pregnancy, including routine health checks, ultrasound scans, and prenatal screening. The healthcare team carefully monitors the health of the surrogate and the baby to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Step 12: Delivery and Post-Birth Care

The baby will be born under the expert care of experienced obstetric specialists. Post-delivery medical treatment, neonatal examination and any required legal and administrative matters are carried out in accordance with the regulations after birth.

Timeline of the Surrogacy Journey

Surrogacy journeys vary and can last anywhere from medical, legal and personal requirements.

Initial Consultation (1–2 Weeks)

The first step in the surrogacy journey is to consult with a fertility specialist. An evaluation of your medical history, fertility issues and treatment objectives is conducted. The doctor discusses the process of surrogacy, suggests appropriate investigations and outlines the medical, emotional, and legal considerations.

Fertility Evaluation (2–4 Weeks)

Comprehensive fertility tests are carried out for the intended parent(s). These can include hormone blood tests, ultrasound, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis and infectious disease screening. The outcomes assist the fertility team in creating another individualised treatment program for the surrogacy program.

Legal & Counselling Process (2-6 Weeks)

Intended parents start psychological counselling and legal advice before treatment. This stage assists all parties to understand the emotional obligations, duties and legal requirements of surrogacy treatment and allows for informed decision-making to proceed with the medical procedures.

IVF Treatment & Embryo Creation (4-6 Weeks)

In case of the intended mother or donor eggs, ovarian stimulation and collection of eggs and fertilisation are carried out. The eggs are nurtured in a lab for a few days, so the embryologists can determine which embryo (or embryos) is the healthiest and transfer it to the surrogate's uterus.

Embryo transfer day

When the uterus is ready, the embryo is placed in the surrogate's uterus via a fine catheter. The process is quick, inconsequential and typically painless. The surrogate can go home after a brief time and resume medications as prescribed.

Pregnancy Confirmation (10–14 Days)

A blood test is done about 2 weeks following the embryo transfer to determine pregnancy. If the implantation is successful, other hormone tests and an early ultrasound scan will be arranged to check that the embryos are developing normally and that the pregnancy is progressing.

About 9 months of pregnancy

The surrogate is regularly checked by the doctor throughout the pregnancy, which includes regular health check-ups and ultrasound scans and prenatal screening. The fertility doctor and obstetrician are closely watching the surrogate's health and the growth of the baby to ensure the baby's health and to support the pregnancy.

Delivery & Post-Birth Care

The baby is born at the right time, with the help of skilled obstetric professionals. Newborn health assessments, postnatal care, and required legal and administrative steps are performed after delivery, based on laws and regulations for surrogacy.


Surrogacy Treatment Cost in India

Surrogacy in India is typically a high-cost procedure, with the fees varying from ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs or higher, depending on the medical conditions, IVF treatments, diagnostic tests, and medicines, hospital fees, and other related costs. The total price will depend on the specific fertility needs of each individual as well as the specific treatment plan that has been recommended by the fertility specialist, so the cost of each fertility journey will be different. The price of surrogacy treatment in India can differ depending on various factors.


These may include:

  • Fertility investigations
  • IVF treatment cycles
  • Medication requirements
  • Embryology procedures
  • Freezing and storing the embryo
  • Genetic testing
  • Pregnancy monitoring
  • Hospital and delivery costs
  • Your legal and administrative obligations
The entire surrogacy treatment cost and surrogacy service expenses differ from person to person, depending on the medical requirements of each patient. The best way to determine the costs people can expect is by having an individual consultation and treatment plan.

Success Rates of Surrogacy Treatment in India

The success rate of surrogacy largely depends on factors such as the age of the egg provider, embryo quality, IVF success, the surrogate's overall health, and the fertility clinic's expertise. Gestational surrogacy typically has a high rate of pregnancy and live births with the use of high-quality embryos, but has variability in each case.

Many factors will determine the success of surrogacy, such as:

  • The age of the egg-laying bird
  • Egg quality
  • Sperm quality
  • Embryo quality
  • The health of the uterus of the surrogate
  • Underlying fertility diagnosis
  • Laboratory standards
  • Overall reproductive health
Fertility doctors generally take into consideration more than just a single success rate, and consider the factors that could affect the success of a treatment. Individual fertility assessment could give a better idea of what the outcomes of the treatment may be.

How Surrogacy Can Help You Build a Family

Several benefits can be seen for intended parents with the help of surrogacy.

Opportunity to Build a Family

Surrogacy is a means for others or families who are unable to carry a pregnancy to experience the joys of parenthood and create the family they long for due to medical reasons, uterine abnormalities, or prior surgery.

Genetic Connection

Depending on the treatment approach, the child may have a genetic relation to the intended parents/donor in gestational surrogacy.

Alternative to Other Family-Building Options

Surrogacy can be a viable option for individuals who are unable to become pregnant through other fertility options or when carrying a pregnancy is unsafe.

Medical care all the way through

Skillfully assisted by experienced fertility specialists, embryologists, obstetricians and counsellors, the entire journey of surrogacy is guided with personalised care, monitoring of treatment progress and support to all.

Planned Reproductive Care

The surrogacy experience takes patients through a detailed treatment process, such as fertility assessment, IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and routine medical check-ups, ensuring that patients receive all the care they need for the entire reproductive process.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Surrogacy

Like all fertility treatments, surrogacy involves potential risks and challenges.

IVF-Related Risks

Fertility medicines used in IVF, as well as ovarian stimulation and egg collection can cause symptoms of bloating, mild pain or, very rarely, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Your fertility specialist will closely monitor your treatment to minimise these risks.

Pregnancy-Related Complications

As with all pregnancies, there are potential complications of a surrogate pregnancy including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia and premature delivery. These complications can be monitored and treated if they do occur with regular antenatal care.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

Intended parents and the surrogate may find surrogacy to be an emotionally challenging process. Anxiety, stress or uncertainty can be experienced at various points in the process. Everyone can go through the process with confidence and with the support of a professional counsellor and emotional help.

Legal and regulatory aspects

Every country has its own surrogacy laws and they may change. In India, surrogacy is regulated by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, with specific eligibility criteria and legal requirements. It is important to fully understand regulations before moving forward with intended parents.

Financial Considerations

There are several medical and administrative costs associated with surrogacy such as fertility assessments, IVF treatment, medications, laboratory fees, pregnancy monitoring and hospital fees. The overall expense will depend on the particular requirements of treatment and the complexity of the case.

Multiple Pregnancy Risk

When more than one embryo is transferred, the risk of a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more) rises. For multiple pregnancies, there is a greater likelihood of pregnancy complications, Preterm Delivery and Low Birth Weight, which is why single embryo transfer is encouraged where possible.

Treatment may not be successful

Surrogacy, when used in conjunction with IVF, has high success rates, but pregnancy cannot be ensured. The results of treatment can be affected by factors like embryo quality, underlying fertility issues, and overall reproductive health in the mother.

What to Expect After Surrogacy Treatment

Following embryo transfer, patients typically enter a waiting period before pregnancy testing.

Immediately After Embryo Transfer

Following the embryo transfer, the surrogate can usually return home the same day and resume most normal daily activities. The fertility specialist may prescribe medications to support implantation and provide specific instructions regarding rest, physical activity and follow-up appointments.

Pregnancy Confirmation

Approximately 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to confirm pregnancy. If the test is positive, follow-up blood tests and an early ultrasound scan are scheduled to confirm successful implantation and monitor the healthy progression of the pregnancy.

Ongoing Pregnancy Care

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives regular antenatal care throughout the pregnancy. Routine health check-ups, ultrasound scans and prenatal tests help monitor the health of both the surrogate and the developing baby.

Emotional Support

The surrogacy journey can be emotionally significant for both the intended parents and the surrogate. Counselling and emotional support throughout the pregnancy can help address concerns, manage expectations and provide reassurance at every stage.

Delivery and Post-Birth Care

The baby is delivered under the supervision of experienced obstetric specialists. After birth, the newborn undergoes routine health assessments, while the surrogate receives postnatal care. Any required legal and administrative procedures are completed according to applicable laws and regulations.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Surrogacy Success

Fertility treatment cannot ensure pregnancy, but some steps can help promote reproductive health.

Choose an Experienced Fertility Clinic

Choosing a reputable fertility clinic with experienced fertility specialists, advanced IVF laboratories and a patient-centred approach can make a significant difference to your treatment journey. Expert medical care, personalised treatment plans and continuous support help optimise treatment outcomes and ensure you receive the guidance you need at every stage of your surrogacy journey.

Carry out the Treatment Plan

Follow all prescribed medication and scheduled appointments. It is important to follow your fertility specialist's recommendations to optimise your embryo development, implantation and treatment success.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of rest and a proper weight can help to maintain reproductive health and enhance IVF success. Do not smoke, drink or use recreational drugs before and during treatment.

Manage Existing Medical Conditions

Diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension or obesity are other conditions that should be under control prior to treatment. Good management of underlying health conditions minimises risks, and enhances a pregnancy outcome.

Prioritise Emotional Wellbeing

A surrogacy journey can be very emotional. Talking with counsellors, family or support groups can help decrease stress, promote mental health and help everyone concerned handle the situation more easily.

Communicate Regularly with Your Fertility Team

Keep a close watch on your fertility specialists throughout the treatment. Questioning, timely reporting of symptoms, and adhering to treatment advice ensures timely treatment and helps to resolve any concerns throughout the surrogacy process.


Signs It's Time to See a Fertility Specialist

If you have failed to conceive naturally, have had repeated miscarriages, abnormalities of the uterus, medical issues that would make it unsafe to become pregnant, or had previous fertility treatments without successful results, you should speak to a fertility specialist. Early evaluation can help you find out what's causing the problem and determine the best treatment for your fertility, which may involve surrogacy if possible.


Explore Additional Fertility Treatments

Let's look at some of the related fertility treatments surrogacy treatment India.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

ICSI, also known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a procedure that injects sperm into the egg.ICSI is a high-level IVF procedure where a single healthy sperm is gently pushed into the egg to create fertilisation. It is recommended for couples where there is male factor infertility or where there has been a previous failure in fertilisation.
Click here to know more about ICSI treatment


IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

In IVF, the eggs are fertilised with sperm in a special lab to make embryos that are placed in the uterus. It is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments and is an integral part of the gestational surrogacy process.
Click here to know more about IVF treatment


Donor Egg IVF

For women who have a low ovarian reserve, poor quality eggs or a premature period of ovarian insufficiency, donor Egg IVF may be recommended. Embryos are made in a fertility treatment by a process called IVF, when healthy donor eggs are fertilised.
Click here to know more about Donor Egg IVF


Donor Sperm Treatment

For whatever reason, there is a high risk of the intended father's sperm being unable to conceive because of severe male infertility, genetic conditions or lack of viable sperm, donor sperm may be used.


Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)

Embryo freezing is a method that helps to preserve high-quality embryos produced in an IVF cycle for later use. The use of frozen embryos may allow for future transfers, which decreases the number of times that the woman needs to be stimulated and her eggs retrieved.
Click here to know more about Egg Freezing


Why Femcare Fertility Is the Right Choice for Surrogacy

Femcare Fertility is committed to providing evidence-based surrogacy care and gestational carriers through experienced specialists and advanced reproductive technologies.

Experienced Fertility Specialists

Our team of fertility specialists is highly experienced in providing fertility treatment for various fertility issues. We have advanced knowledge and skills in assisted reproductive technologies and work towards developing a treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each patient based on their reproductive health.

Advanced fertility Technology

Femcare Fertility has modern IVF laboratories and advanced reproductive technologies to assist in accurate diagnosis and embryo development and in fertility treatment. We use technology to provide high quality care to patients throughout their treatment.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Each person's fertility journey is unique. Before formulating an individualised treatment plan that suits your unique needs, we take the time to understand your medical history and your goals and individual situation for your fertility.

Comprehensive Fertility Services

The care for fertility, IVF, ICSI, donor programmes, fertility preservation and pregnancy care is available at Femcare Fertility, thus offering a full range of reproductive health services under one roof.

Compassionate Patient-Centred Care

We know how hard these issues of fertility can be both physically and emotionally. Our team offers compassionate support, honest communication and continuous guidance to ensure patients feel informed, confident and supported through their fertility journey.

Transparent Guidance and Ongoing Support

We believe that we are giving accurate information to our clients about treatments, outcomes, timelines and costs. Our specialist team is on hand to help with your queries, plan your care and support you from your initial appointment onwards, on your Parenthood journey.

Personalised Fertility Care to Help You Achieve Parenthood

Every fertility journey is unique. Whether you are exploring IVF, fertility preservation or other family-building options, our experienced team is here to provide guidance, support and personalised care.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the right candidate for surrogacy treatment?

Individuals or couples with medical issues, uterine abnormalities or those who have previously undergone surgery may be good candidates for surrogacy treatment. It can also be taken into account in cases where pregnancy would present a serious health risk or in cases where there are multiple unsuccessful treatments for fertility.


How long does the surrogacy treatment India take?

Typically, the entirety of the surrogacy process will take several months to more than a year, depending on the individual circumstances. This includes fertility tests and the treatment, the creation of embryos, embryo transfer and the pregnancy.


What factors affect the success of surrogacy treatment?

The success of surrogacy is dependent on many factors such as the age of the egg provider, quality of eggs and sperm, embryo quality and the overall health of the surrogate. The knowledge and training of the fertility clinic and embryology lab are also crucial.


Why does the surrogacy treatment cost vary?

Surrogacy rates vary because each patient's treatment plan is unique. Costs can cover fertility investigations, IVF treatments, medicines, laboratory costs, pregnancy monitoring and hospital costs. Other types of treatment can affect the total cost – like donor programmes or genetic testing.


Is surrogacy treatment safe?

When health-care practitioners with experience in fertility and obstetrics are involved, surrogacy is generally considered safe. But, as with any fertility treatment and pregnancy, there are some medical and pregnancy risks. Your fertility specialist will review the benefits and risks, depending on your unique situation.


Is surrogacy painful?

There is little pain at most stages of the surrogacy process. Egg collection and other procedures are performed under sedation and embryo transfer typically does not require anaesthesia and is a rapid process. The discomfort caused by the temporary nature of the position is usually minor and temporary.


How many IVF cycles are usually needed?

The number of IVF cycles varies among patients. The outcome is affected by various factors, including age, the diagnosis of fertility, and the quality of the embryos and/or previous treatment history. For some patients, success may be obtained in one cycle, for others multiple cycles may need to be repeated.


What precautions should be taken after embryo transfer?

It is crucial after embryo transfer to take medications as prescribed and to keep all follow-up appointments. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity and smoking without your doctor's approval. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and following your fertility specialist's advice can help treat the condition.


When should you consider surrogacy over other fertility treatments?

A couple may pursue surrogacy if it is not medically possible, safe or likely for one or both of them to become pregnant again. It is also suggested for females who have had a hysterectomy or those who do not have a working uterus or women with serious uterine disorders. After a comprehensive evaluation, a fertility specialist will be able to help you decide if surrogacy is the best choice for you.


When to talk to a fertility doctor about surrogacy?

If a woman's fertility or health issues prevent her from carrying the pregnancy, she should seek advice from a fertility expert. Through early consultation, the cause of infertility can be determined and all potential treatments considered, including those for surrogacy when applicable. A personalised assessment will allow you to get advice on your medical condition and legal requirements.

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