Altruistic surrogacy is surrogacy in which the surrogate receives no financial reward beyond her medical expenses, insurance cover, and other reasonable expenses defined in the Rules. It is the only form of surrogacy permitted in India under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. An arrangement that involves payment to the surrogate beyond what the law allows is commercial surrogacy, which is unlawful in India. Commissioning couples and surrogates should have any financial arrangement reviewed against the current Rules, available on the National ART & Surrogacy Portal, before proceeding. This is general information about India's ART and surrogacy framework and is not personalised legal advice. India legal information last reviewed: 9 September 2026.
Also known as: non-commercial surrogacy
Related India guides
Sources
- Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules and subsequent amendments and notifications (indiacode.nic.in; artsurrogacy.gov.in)
- National ART & Surrogacy Portal, Department of Health Research (artsurrogacy.gov.in)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.