What is the impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations in India

Discuss the effects of the new ART regulations on the cost of treatment and the opportunities for conception in India.
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations have had a significant impact on the fertility industry in India. The regulations, introduced in 2010, brought about a number of changes which have affected both patients and clinics alike. Here are some of the key impacts of the ART regulations in India:
  • Cost of Treatment: One immediate effect of the new ART regulations was an increase in the cost of treatment. The regulations stipulated that clinics needed to invest in new technology and infrastructure, such as air filtration and embryo monitoring systems. This led to a rise in prices, which has made treatment less affordable for some couples.
  • Opportunities for Conception: Another impact of the ART regulations has been a reduction in the number of embryos that can be transferred. This has been done to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which can be dangerous for both mother and child. While this has reduced the chances of conceiving twins or triplets, it has also meant that some couples are now finding it harder to conceive at all.
  • Quality Control: One positive effect of the ART regulations has been an improvement in the quality of treatment. The regulations have introduced stricter guidelines for clinics, which are now required to maintain better records and follow more rigorous procedures. This has helped to improve the success rate of treatment.
  • Surrogacy: The new ART regulations have also restricted the use of surrogacy. Couples using surrogacy must now be Indian citizens, and surrogates must be relatives of the couple. This has limited the number of potential surrogates, and has made the process more exclusive.
In conclusion, while the ART regulations have brought about many positive changes, such as increased quality control, they have also made treatment more expensive and limited the opportunities for conception in some cases. Overall, the effects of the ART regulations on the fertility industry in India have been mixed.
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