Baby business busted, pvt hosp faces action

CHENNAI: A private hospital in the city is in the dock for circumventing the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, by adopting unethical practices. Health Minister Ma Subramanian, on Thursday, directed the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services to take legal action against the hospital and two individuals involved.

The issue came to light when the city District Medical Board interrogated a couple who had opted for surrogacy. As per the statement of the woman who volunteered to be a surrogate mother, she has been married for the last eight years and has two children. However, since the husband’s consent is required, her ‘husband’ was also called for attestation.

During the inquiry, the ‘husband’ was asked some basic questions to confirm his identity and other details. While he confirmed his name as stated by the woman, he stumbled when it came to recalling the names of his children and relatives. On suspicion, the ‘couple’ was asked to show the government-issued documents. The ‘husband’ then denied having any such.

When the committee quizzed the couple who wanted to have a child, they also could confirm the name of the surrogate’s ‘husband’ only.

A further investigation followed, and the surrogate and ‘husband’ admitted they had impersonated to be a couple. According

Minister Ma Subramanian has directed the officials concerned to take legal action against the hospital and 2 individuals involved

to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the consent of the surrogate’s husband must be obtained. Therefore, the committee will take strict action in case of violation for impersonation and violation of the law.

The Health Minister ordered DMS to take appropriate action against the private hospital and the individuals involved for violating the surrogacy laws.