The government may make changes to Understanding the Surrogacy Bill+ , approved by the Union Cabinet+ on Wednesday, to provide maternity benefits and compensation to surrogate mothers, but is firm on its decision to bar homosexuals and singles from going in for a child through this process.
"We do not recognise gay couples," health minister JP Nadda said. Emphasising the "concept of family+ ", he said the institution of family is important for a child and therefore singles will not be allowed surrogacy+ .
Even for married couples, the bill insists on five years of marriage before allowing the intending couple to commission surrogacy. The bill also bars foreigners and live-in couples from having a baby through surrogacy.
Setting aside concerns related to lack of enough provisions to provide maternity benefits and various gaps in the bill leaving room for uncertainty in certain situations, Nadda said the government is open to suggestions and feedback and is ready to make changes in the spirit of the surrogacy bill.
Govt firm on barring gays, singles from surrogacy - Times of India
"We do not recognise gay couples," health minister JP Nadda said. Emphasising the "concept of family+ ", he said the institution of family is important for a child and therefore singles will not be allowed surrogacy+ .
Even for married couples, the bill insists on five years of marriage before allowing the intending couple to commission surrogacy. The bill also bars foreigners and live-in couples from having a baby through surrogacy.
Setting aside concerns related to lack of enough provisions to provide maternity benefits and various gaps in the bill leaving room for uncertainty in certain situations, Nadda said the government is open to suggestions and feedback and is ready to make changes in the spirit of the surrogacy bill.
Govt firm on barring gays, singles from surrogacy - Times of India
