Gurgaon, December 5, 2014: ITM University’s Law Schoolorganized an International Seminar on ‘Surrogacy and Human Rights’ against the backdrop of India becoming a popular destination for medical tourism and advancements in technology increasing the demand for gestational surrogacy here.
At the global level, surrogacy is a booming business despite the fact that many countries prohibit surrogacy arrangements. The market for international surrogacy is estimated to be USD six billion annually worldwide. India alone is estimated to hold a business of $445 million, and still the legal regulations governing the issue are hazy.
The seminar was inaugurated by Mr Hans Friedrich Schodder, Deputy Chief of Mission, United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR). The themes for discussion during the seminar focused on national and international perspective of surrogacy, statelessness and health standards in surrogacy as well as social impact of fertility tourism.
“Indian fertility services are known for quality and low cost. When we look into the problem of surrogacy, it gives insight into certain issues like citizenship issues, transit issues, medical issues, circumvention and conflict of laws and likewise. Adoption remains in greyscale when talking about surrogacy,” said Mr Schodder.
Prof. Prem Vrat, Pro-Chancellor, ITM University, Gurgaon raised the social concerns attached with the surrogate arrangement and emphasized on the social acceptance of the surrogate child and the health issues of the surrogate mother.
There were experts from NGOs, doctors, eminent lawyers and distinguished academicians who presented their views on Commercial Surrogacy, including Dr Sonia Malik, IVF, Max, Gurgaon; Dr Rita Bakshi, Green Park Infertility Clinic, New Delhi and Dr Manasi Mishra, Centre for Social Research, New Delhi.