25 August,2016 07:26 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
A bill proposing a complete ban on commercial surrogacy was yesterday approved by the government. We take a look at some facts about surrogacy, celebs who have surrogate children, and some reactions
A bill proposing a complete ban on commercial surrogacy was yesterday approved by the government. We take a look at some facts about surrogacy, celebs who have surrogate children, and also some reactions.
Also Read: Did Sushma Swaraj taunt Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan for opting surrogacy for fashion?
The Union Cabinet gave its nod to the introduction of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 in Parliament, seeking a bar on unmarried couples, single parents, live-in partners and homosexuals from opting for surrogacy, to check unethical practices.
Criticism of altruistic surrogacy
Addressing a press conference after the Union Cabinet approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, the minister said she feels "sad" to say that what had started in the name of "necessity" has today become a "fashion".
She said the Bill comes at a time when India has emerged as a hub of commercial surrogacy for couples seeking children.
Read Story: Cabinet adopts bill to abort commercial surrogacy
Referring to "big celebrities", though without naming them, Swaraj said they have opted for surrogacy and it has become a trend. She said under the bill, the procedure has been allowed for necessity and not "shauk" (fondness or fashion).
What is altruistic surrogacy?
Altruistic surrogacy is when a surrogate is given no financial gain for carrying a child. Only expenses such as medical costs, travel, time off work, etc, are borne by the intended parents.
Indian celebs who have surrogate children
Shah Rukh Khan: In July 2013, Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri Khan became parents of a surrogate baby. The child, named AbRam was born at the Masrani Hospital for Women in Andheri, at 34 weeks of pregnancy and weighed 1.5kg at birth.
Aamir Khan: In December 2011, Aamir Khan and his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao welcomed their first baby after resorting to in vitro fertilization (IVF) surrogacy. The child was named Azad Khan.
Jeetendra with Tusshar Kapoor's son
Tusshar Kapoor: In July this year, Tusshar Kapoor proudly announced the arrival of his son, a baby boy, born through IVF and surrogacy. The baby was named Laksshya, and was said to be born in excellent health
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