The surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother. Finding Support in Dum Dum

Growing Families: A Guide to Surrogacy in Dum Dum Starting a family is one of life’s most profound journeys, and for many in North Kolkata, surrogacy has become a hopeful path toward parenthood. If you are exploring your options in the Dum Dum area, understanding the local landscape, legalities, and support systems is the first step toward a successful journey. Understanding the Process

Surrogacy is a legal arrangement where a woman agrees to carry and deliver a child for intended parents. In India, the process is primarily , meaning the surrogate does not receive financial compensation beyond medical expenses and insurance coverage. There are two main types of surrogacy:

Yet, a deeper investigation reveals a more troubling picture. Studies conducted by Kolkata-based sociologists found that informed consent was often nominal. Many women had limited literacy, did not fully understand the medical risks of IVF (including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or the trauma of a Caesarean section), and were heavily influenced by husbands or mothers-in-law who viewed their wombs as family assets. The contracts, written in English, were rarely translated comprehensively into Bengali or Hindi. Furthermore, the psychological toll was immense. Women spoke of profound grief after being forced to hand over the newborn immediately after birth—an act of separation that many likened to a living death. The "happy surrogate" holding a thank-you card from a foreign couple was a carefully curated photograph, obscuring the months of isolation, physical pain, and unresolved emotional trauma.