Unfortunately, there are still many grey areas in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill (Editorial page, “What is altruistic surrogacy?”, December 24). A waiting period of five years is too long. There are studies pointing out that the chances of getting near relatives to help in the surrogacy process are minuscule. There is also the issue of the privacy of the couple concerned. A single parent can adopt a child but cannot go in for surrogacy. The absence of a clause to regulate assisted reproductive technology clinics is a hurdle. Permitting commercial surrogacy in a well-regulated manner and with more patient-friendly options could have been thought of rather than a complete ban. Surrogacy is also a source of income for poor women. There should have been more discussion before the Bill was passed.
Harsahib Singh,
Ludhiana, Punjab