Notification of 4 more expert members in National ART and Surrogacy Board

## Report on Amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 5885E) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on December 16, 2022. This notification serves as an amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021, specifically concerning the composition of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. The amendment adds four new expert members to the Board, representing diverse perspectives including social science, women's welfare, and civil society engagement on women's health and child issues. This amendment aims to broaden the expertise and representation within the board, potentially leading to more comprehensive and inclusive policy decisions related to surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the notification S.O. 5885E, a recent amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021. This analysis is based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is an amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021. * Core Objective (inferred): To enhance the expertise and representation within the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. **4. Background and Rationale:** * This is an amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021. The reason for this specific amendment appears to be to broaden the perspective and expertise of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. The inclusion of experts from social science, women's welfare organizations, and civil society focused on women and children's health suggests a desire to incorporate a wider range of considerations into the Board's deliberations and decisions. This may address a perceived gap in the original board's composition, leading to a more holistic and equitable approach to regulating surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification amends the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021, by adding four new members to the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The composition of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board, as outlined in the notification dated August 4, 2022 (referenced as "even no. dated 4th August, 2022"), is being altered. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment adds the following individuals as members to the Board, filling serial numbers f, g, h, and i: * f Dr. Anuj Singhal, Social Scientist; * g Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Representative of Women Welfare Organization; * h Dr Sipra Bagchi, Representative from Civil Society working on Women's health and child issues; and * i Dr. Biju Pillai, Representative from Civil Society working on Women's health and child issues. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The addition of these members diversifies the expertise and perspectives represented on the Board. This could lead to more informed and nuanced decision-making related to surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology regulations, with greater consideration given to social, ethical, and welfare aspects. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * The existing members of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. * The newly appointed members (Dr. Singhal, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Bagchi, and Dr. Pillai). * Indirectly, those utilizing or considering utilizing surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies. * Women's health organizations and civil society groups working on women's and children's issues. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, specifically the Department of Health Research, is responsible for implementing this amendment. The National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board itself will be responsible for integrating the new members and adjusting its processes accordingly. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the provided text beyond the effective date of the notification (December 16, 2022). However, it can be inferred that the new members are expected to join the Board and participate in its activities promptly. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes include: * Enhanced expertise and broader representation within the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. * More comprehensive and balanced decision-making regarding regulations related to surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology. * Increased consideration of social, ethical, and welfare aspects in policy development and implementation. * Potentially greater public trust and confidence in the Board's decisions due to its broader representation. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 5885E represents a targeted amendment to the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021, aimed at enhancing the composition and expertise of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board. By incorporating experts from diverse fields, including social science, women's welfare, and civil society, the amendment seeks to ensure more comprehensive and equitable policy decisions related to surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology. This amendment is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and balanced approach to the regulation of these sensitive and evolving areas of healthcare.

Key Entities Referenced