The National Commission for Women (NCW) has constituted an expert committee to review the regulatory framework governing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) clinics, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centres and surrogacy services, amid concerns that existing safeguards are insufficient to curb unethical practices in the rapidly expanding fertility sector.

The panel will examine the effectiveness of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and related rules to identify regulatory gaps and recommend measures to strengthen patient protection, transparency and accountability in fertility care.

According to the Commission, although registration under the National ART and Surrogacy Registry is mandatory for all ART clinics and Gamete Banks, regulatory compliance alone has not been enough to prevent unethical practices. The NCW noted that concerns persist over issues such as inadequate counselling, misleading advertisements, lack of transparency in treatment protocols, improper handling of gametes and embryos, and the protection of patients’ rights.

The expert committee is expected to engage with healthcare professionals, legal experts, fertility specialists, patient groups and policymakers before submitting recommendations for improving the existing legal and regulatory framework. The review will also assess whether current monitoring mechanisms and enforcement provisions are adequate to ensure ethical practices across the fertility sector.

India enacted the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 to regulate fertility clinics, standardise assisted reproductive services, safeguard the rights of intending couples, donors and surrogate mothers, and prevent commercial exploitation. The legislation also mandates registration of ART clinics and gamete banks while prescribing standards for infrastructure, record keeping and clinical practices.

With infertility affecting an estimated 10–15% of married couples globally, demand for assisted reproductive technologies has grown steadily in India. Healthcare experts note that while advancements in IVF and reproductive medicine have improved access to fertility treatment, strong regulatory oversight is essential to maintain ethical standards, ensure patient safety and build public trust.

Experts have welcomed the NCW’s initiative, stating that periodic reviews of reproductive healthcare regulations are necessary to keep pace with technological advances and evolving clinical practices. They believe the expert panel’s recommendations could strengthen governance, improve accountability and enhance the quality of fertility care across the country.