The global surrogacy industry, valued at billions of dollars, operates in shadows where financial transparency often disappears along with promised payments to surrogate mothers. What begins as hope for childless couples and financial opportunity for women frequently ends in broken promises and unpaid dues.
The Billion-Dollar Baby Trade
Commercial surrogacy has transformed into a massive international enterprise, with India emerging as a key hub for medical tourism. Couples from Europe, America, and beyond flock to Indian fertility clinics, paying substantial sums ranging from $25,000 to $60,000 per surrogacy arrangement.
Where Does the Money Disappear?
While intended parents pay premium prices, surrogate mothers often receive only a fraction of the promised compensation. Multiple intermediaries—including agencies, clinics, and brokers—take significant cuts, leaving many women with less than half the total amount paid by hopeful parents.
The Human Cost of Broken Promises
Numerous cases have emerged where surrogate mothers completed the entire pregnancy term only to discover their payments had vanished. Without proper legal contracts or regulatory oversight, these women have little recourse when agencies disappear with their hard-earned money.
India's Regulatory Vacuum
Despite the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which banned commercial surrogacy, the practice continues under various guises. The lack of effective enforcement mechanisms means vulnerable women remain exposed to financial exploitation while navigating complex medical procedures.
The Global Surrogacy Landscape
As countries like Thailand, Nepal, and Cambodia have restricted commercial surrogacy, India's clinics have adapted their operations. Many now operate in legal gray areas, making it increasingly difficult to track financial transactions and ensure fair compensation.
Protecting Surrogate Mothers
Experts emphasize the urgent need for:
- Transparent payment systems with escrow arrangements
- Standardized legal contracts in local languages
- Independent monitoring of agency practices
- Financial literacy programs for surrogate mothers
The multibillion-dollar surrogacy industry continues to operate with minimal accountability, leaving the most vulnerable participants—the women who carry these precious pregnancies—at constant risk of financial exploitation and emotional distress.
