Guwahati, 5th October, 2013: President- Dr Bavishi and Vice President Dr
Rita Bakshi on behalf of INSTAR (Indian Society for
Third Party Assisted Reproduction) have organized a panel discussion (CME)
to discuss the complexities and challenges of Third Party reproduction in India
today. A panel comprising of eminent doctors, lawyers, NGO’s together on a
single platform answering the multifaceted questions in relation to surrogates,
patients, ethics, best practice and what India role is in the global community
today.
Dr S . Mani, Director of Gift fertility centers from Bangalore &
Cochin reminds us
that “People travel to India because of the excellent standard of Medical care
and practice,” with Dr Richa Sharma from Burn Hall Delhi
NCR adding that “ Third Party Assisted Reproduction or Surrogacy has
allowed many couples the joy of having their own child, without surrogacy, this
would never happen”
Advocate Inderbeer Singh,
Supreme Court and High Court New Delhi explained the complex legalities of
surrogacy and the ART Bill which is due to be passed and also that the
contracts should be in the native language and English both
Mr. Saurabh and Mr. Ravi from Art banks would
like to share the benefits that being a surrogate has for many women who have
chosen to undertake this dedicated role and the difficult approval process that
must be undertaken prior to being accepted onto any programme and also the
minimum compensation that should be given to the surrogate mothers in the
country
Dr Kadam from Corion Fertiity in Mumbai and Dr Seema Pandey from
Azamgrah stressed
the need for both counselling and screening criteria for both Intended Parents
and Surrogate mothers for the welfare of the child and also stressed that there
should be clarity on what happens in case of unfortunate events like a
miscarriage in terms of care for the surrogate mother
Dr Sameer from Raipur IVF pointed out that it is mandatory that there should be a
genetic link with one of the commissioning parents and that the citizenship to
the future child in case of International surrogacy should be checked with the
concerned Embassy prior to accepting the couple in the program
The
current Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo has also seen the benefits
of surrogacy first hand, with a close acquaintance having benefited from
surrogacy in India, “I am very happy that my dear friend was able to have much
wanted and loved baby through the help of India. I understand that
this is the last hope for many and it talks to the excellence of medical
practice in India that so many families around the world give India this sacred
trust”.
Dr. Samit (Governing council member ) “ Surrogacy is a complex issue,
but it would be an error to suggest that those involved in Surrogacy in India
have not grappled with the issues that we are going to be conversing during the
panel discussion”. Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour and Dr Deene from SCI
Healthcare further added that “India has become a world
leader, not only in providing surrogacy, but also in attempting to address the
multitude of issues that emerge. Dr Rajeev Aggrawal from Care
IVf Calcutta added" I see the benefit that Surrogacy affords women who
choose to be surrogates, I know that surrogates’ children are staying in
school, that families are creating family businesses and that women are
learning new skills”
Dr. Deepak Goenka from IHR,
Guwahati added
that Surrogacy helps both surrogate mother and intended parents. Proper public
awareness regarding the procedure is very essential.
International
ART Agency owner Dr Mariam Kukunashvilli informed participants
that being a psychologist all clinics should have an in depth counselling
session before starting treatment
President- Dr Bavishi and Vice President Dr Rita Bakshi concluded
by stating that “INSTAR aim is to complement the new ART Guidelines in
bringing together the considerable knowledge, skills and expertise that exists
in India, showcased by the panel discussion on the 6th, to look
forward to setting national standards in best practice and care in Third Party
Assisted Reproduction.”
Miss Universe's Speech
“Greetings to
Honourable Chief Minister Of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi and Honourable
Governor of Meghalaya and Honourable INSTAR President Dr Bavishi and to all the delegates of
this Medical Educational Program.
I would like to
thank the organizers INSTAR for
giving me this wonderful opportunity to express my views on Surrogacy and INSTAR Society.
This is my first visit to India and it has been my great pleasure to come
for such a commendable cause – of Women Empowerment. I feel that to
empower and support woman in society is the strength of any nation. It should not be ignored.
One of the most
primal things for all of us is having a family, Especially in India to be surrounded by generations of family
is very important. Inability to have children is an enormous stress
to anyone who is trying. As far as Indian culture is concerned, inability to
have a child comes with feelings of secrecy shame guilt and anxiety. A smaller
percentage of families find that the female partner is not able to carry a
child. Until recently this has meant the heartbreak of remaining childless but
again India has led the way in providing professional competent and
affordable treatment through surrogacy
The whole area
of assisted reproduction raises may social Ethical medical and Legal issues
that are regularly commented on in the media
There is
particular concern that any approach in Third
Party Reproduction should be one which is fully informed and takes into account
a wide range of complex and sensitive concerns involved within an Indian
context and with an Indian voice
To this End we have heard today from the members of INSTAR. I am very
happy to see INSTAR’s positive and responsible approach to surrogacy in India.
I wish you all the best in your endeavours” ( Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo, 2013)
INSTAR has a motto of Ethics Empower and
Research – with this is mind the following KEY RECOMMENDATION has been agreed
to:
INSTAR recommends a min compensation of 2.25 lakhs for surrogate
mothers irrespective of state/ city
·
Full compensation after 28 weeks irrespective of the outcome of
pregnancy
·
Post delivery care for 6 months free of cost in relation to pregnancy
·
Post miscarriage care for 3 months free of cost and compensation for
next month of pregnancy and all medical expenses paid in case if miscarriage
·
Recommendations in case of unfortunate events like ectopic pregnancy/
hysterectomy or rarest case of death
·
Recommendations for Contracts: LOCAL language is a must
·
Recommendations in case the child is born with defects
·
Condemns discrimination of girl child and follow the PCPNDT Act strictly
·
Screening tests for surrogate mothers : recommendations
·
Screening for IPs recommendations made
·
LOCAL Guardian nomination is a must
Our Future Work
RESEARCH
done by QUESTIONNAIRE to be presented and published
MORE
Research and Publications encouraged
Providing
Life Insurance to surrogate mothers
