In a decision that could halve the demand for hired surrogate mothers in India, the government has decided to ban foreigners from renting a womb in the country. Latest draft of Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2014 is likely to be tabled in the winter session of Parliament. It says only Indian couples or a foreigner married to an Indian citizen may opt for surrogacy. By defining 'couple' as a married man-woman pair, the bill also shuts the door on homosexuals and people in a live-in relationship.
The older draft bill—A R T Bill, 2010—recognized 'couple' as two people living together in a sexual relationship that is legal in India. Since homosexuality is a crime in the country, it technically barred homosexual couples. India, Georgia, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and some US states are among the few places that permit paid surrogacy. The UK and some Australian states…
