“Where there is love, there is life.” — Mahatma Gandhi. For many couples across the world, the path to parenthood leads them beyond borders. India, known for its affordable and advanced fertility care, once stood as a major destination for pregnancy tourism. From IVF treatments to surrogacy support, hopeful parents came seeking options. While laws have changed, interest remains. Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy tourism in India today.
- India handled 3,000+ international surrogacy births per year before 2015.
- Medical tourism in India was worth over $7.4 billion in 2022.
- Around 20% of international patients coming to India for fertility treatments include those seeking pregnancy or surrogacy support.
- After the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, many countries stopped legal surrogacy arrangements in India, but interest hasn’t vanished.
What Is Pregnancy Tourism?
Pregnancy tourism means travelling to another country for pregnancy-related services. Many foreign couples, especially from Western countries, once visited India for surrogacy and IVF. They found it more affordable, accessible, and less legally complex — until recent law changes. Pregnancy tourism includes:
- IVF (In-vitro fertilisation)
- Surrogacy
- Egg or sperm donation
- Pre-natal care
- Delivery services
Why India Became a Pregnancy Tourism Hub
India attracted global attention in this space because:
- Lower costs of IVF and delivery services
- Skilled fertility doctors with global training
- English-speaking medical staff
- Private hospitals with advanced labs
- Fewer legal hurdles (before the 2021 law)
Also Read: Skiplagging
IVF & Fertility Treatments Still Attract Tourists
Even though commercial surrogacy is now banned, India still sees foreign patients coming for:
| Service | Average Cost (in India) | Average Cost (US/UK) |
| IVF cycle | ₹1.5–2 lakh | ₹8–10 lakh |
| Egg freezing | ₹50,000–1 lakh | ₹3–5 lakh |
| Donor egg IVF | ₹2.5–3 lakh | ₹9–12 lakh |
| Delivery in a private setup | ₹1–2.5 lakh | ₹5–8 lakh |
Legal Status of Surrogacy in India Now
Commercial surrogacy, surrogacy for same-sex couples, and unmarried individuals is banned. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 allows only:
- Altruistic surrogacy (no money involved)
- Married Indian couples (with certain medical needs)
- Only Indian citizens — foreigners and NRIs cannot legally hire surrogates
Risks Linked With Pregnancy Tourism
Travelling for pregnancy care involves:
- Visa and legal delays
- Incomplete post-natal care
- Language barriers in smaller clinics
- Confusing documentation for the newborn
- Unregulated agents offering illegal surrogacy
Also Read: Tourist Places to Visit in Winters in India
Why People Still Consider India
Despite the legal block on surrogacy, many still look towards India because:
- IVF success rates in top Indian clinics are comparable to global standards
- Indian hospitals offer affordable pregnancy packages
- Alternative fertility treatments are still legal and accessible
Pregnancy tourism in India is not as open as it was a decade ago. The ban on commercial surrogacy changed the landscape. However, India continues to offer reliable and affordable IVF and fertility care. If you’re from another country and looking for pregnancy-related treatment in India, speak with a registered medical consultant, not unverified agents.
Laws may change, but patient safety and informed decisions must stay constant.
