- ART Regulation Act, 2021 was enacted for the regulation and supervision of the assisted reproductive technology clinics, banks, etc.
- As per the Act, ART includes all techniques that attempt to obtain a pregnancy by handling the sperm or the oocyte (immature egg) outside the human body and transferring the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive system of a woman.
- Common methods of ART :
- In-vitro fertilisation: Fertilising an egg in the lab and placing it into woman's womb.
- Gamete donation: Using eggs, sperm, or embryos from someone else to help intended parents have a child.
- Gestational surrogacy: An embryo from intended parents or from a donated oocyte or sperm is transferred to the surrogate uterus.
- Key Provisions of the Act:
- Established governing bodies: National and State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board.
- Registration of Units: Provides for registration of assisted reproductive technology clinic and banks.
- Eligibility for Beneficiary: Women between 21 years and 50 years. For men upper limit is 55 years.
- Eligibility for Donor: Women between 23 years and 35 years. For men it is 21 to 55 years.