Fertility Regulations: A need of the hour
Millions of couples worldwide are affected by infertility, and in India, the condition is experienced by 28 million couples. Research indicates that couples facing fertility problems undergo considerable distress and anxiety, as the inability to conceive can be one of the most stressful experiences in their lives.
The regulation of IVF services in India is now formally established by law.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021 have been officially notified by the Central government. These Acts have the objective of regulating and improving the standards of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinics in India.
Commercial surrogacy is forbidden under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, but altruistic surrogacy is permitted. The objective of this Act is to regulate surrogacy in India, and administrated through a National Surrogacy Board at the central level, state surrogacy boards, and relevant authorities in states and union territories.
Likewise, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021 (ART Act) aims to oversee and regulate assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks to prevent any potential abuse.
These regulations will aid in maintaining a database of all clinics and medical professionals practicing in the field.
The registration process will be facilitated by registration authorities appointed by state governments. Registration will remain valid for five years, with the option to renew it for an additional five years.
The national board, state boards, national registry, and state registration authorities will oversee and supervise such clinics and banks through the Act.
Along with promoting better governance and compliance in the fertility ecosystem, these regulations will also ensure:
a)?????Establishment of minimum standards and codes of conduct for fertility clinics and egg or sperm banks.
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b)?????Implementation of standard operating procedures to ensure uniform and global quality standards throughout India.
c)??????Creation of a monitoring mechanism to prevent the commercialization of ART services by private players.
d)?????Prevention of unethical or exploitative practices.
e) Provides protection to donors through health and life insurance for Oocyte donors and surrogate mother
The ART Act has brought a ray of hope for millions of infertile couples, providing them with added confidence in fertility treatments. It will
1) Enable infertile couples to receive fertility treatment in an ethical and regulated manner.
2) Enables couples to take action following an investigation of complaints filed with the appropriate authority against the ART clinic or bank.
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