In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in India

A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) shows that infertile couples in India face a heavy financial burden. According to the report, a single IVF cycle costs over ?1 lakh even in public hospitals. Globally, one assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle costs 166% of an average Indian’s yearly income, while the public health system spends only ?6,822 to ?11,075 per patient annually.

What is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely used Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to treat infertility. In this process, a woman’s eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

IVF is commonly used when natural conception is not possible due to:

• Blocked fallopian tubes

• Low sperm count

• Ovulation disorders

• Endometriosis

• Age-related infertility

• Repeated miscarriages or unexplained infertility

Rising infertility in India due to stress, lifestyle changes, late marriage, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and obesity has increased the demand for IVF. IVF also supports fertility preservation for cancer patients and helps couples facing repeated miscarriages. With one in six couples affected and falling fertility rates, experts emphasize the need to make fertility care accessible to protect India’s demographic balance.

Cost of IVF in India

According to ICMR-NIRRCH:

• A single IVF cycle costs over ?1 lakh in both public and private hospitals.

• The public health system expenditure per patient ranges between ?6,822 and ?11,075 annually.

• Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), a one-time reimbursement of ?65,000 or the actual cost (whichever is lower) is provided for three fresh IVF cycles, subject to eligibility conditions.

Regulation of IVF and ART in India

Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021

The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 was enacted to regulate ART clinics and ART banks in India, ensuring ethical, safe, and transparent fertility treatment. The Act provides a legal framework to supervise the rapidly growing use of technologies like IVF while protecting the rights of women, children, and donors.

All ART clinics and banks are compulsorily registered through a National Registry, which acts as a central database.

Eligibility for ART Services

For Commissioning Parties:

• ART services are available to single women and infertile married couples.

• Women must be 21–50 years old, while men must be 21–55 years old.

• Foreign nationals are also allowed to access ART services.

For Donors:

• Semen donors must be 21–55 years old.

• Egg donors must be 23–35 years old.

• A woman can donate eggs only once, with a maximum of seven eggs retrieved.

• A donor’s gametes cannot be supplied to more than one commissioning party.

Consent, Screening, and Ethical Safeguards

• Written informed consent is mandatory for both donors and commissioning parties.

• Genetic disease screening is compulsory to ensure healthy reproduction.

• Sex-selective services are strictly prohibited.

• Commissioning parties must provide insurance coverage to donors to protect against medical loss, injury, or death.

Rights of Children Born Through ART

Children born through ART are legally recognized as the biological children of the commissioning parents, while donors have no parental rights. This provision ensures clarity of parentage and safeguards the rights of children and families.

Significance of IVF Regulation in India

The ART (Regulation) Act and IVF services play a critical role in ensuring safe, ethical, and regulated fertility treatments. They provide legal clarity, protect donor and child rights, and support national demographic goals by making fertility care accessible and transparent