NCW Appoints Expert Panel to Review IVF and Surrogacy Laws

Overview

• The National Commission for Women set up the high-level committee on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and named former judge Justice Asha Menon as chair.
• The panel will review how the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the 2026 amendment rules are being implemented.
• Members include experts from the judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynaecology, public policy and the Health Ministry to address legal, clinical and investigative gaps.
• The NCW said mandatory registration with the National ART and Surrogacy Registry has not stopped unethical practices and highlighted risks from medical tourism, weak traceability of gametes and inconsistent state protocols.
• Recommendations will seek standard operating procedures, uniform clinical standards and stronger institutional accountability to protect women from unnecessary procedures, privacy violations and financial exploitation, with possible changes to reporting and enforcement mechanisms.