IVF clinics under scanner: NCW forms expert panel for review of regulatory framework, laws
New Delhi, July 9
Amid growing concerns over irregularities in the rapidly expanding Assisted Reproductive Technology sector, the National Commission for Women has constituted an expert committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework and concerned laws governing IVF clinics, ART centres and gamete banks, with a focus on protecting the reproductive rights, dignity and safety of women.
According ot the press note from the NCW, the expert committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Asha Menon, former Judge of the Delhi High Court, will bring together experts from the judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynaecology, public policy and the Health Ministry.
The multidisciplinary composition of the committee is intended to ensure a comprehensive examination of legal, ethical, medical and administrative issues associated with assisted reproductive technologies, the press note stated.
While registration under the National ART & Surrogacy Registry is mandatory for all RT Clinics and Gamete Banks, the commission has observed that regulatory compliance alone has not been sufficient to prevent unethical practices.
"The emergence of medical tourism in the fertility sector has also raised concerns about the possible circumvention of India's legal safeguards, including those aimed at preventing sex selection. The absence of uniform treatment protocols across states has further highlighted the need for stronger oversight to protect women from unnecessary procedures, inconsistent standards of care and financial exploitation," the press note stated.
The committee will review the implementation of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the relevant Amendment Rules notified in 2026.
It will examine existing safeguards relating to consent, privacy and biological traceability, identify regulatory and procedural gaps that may enable exploitation or fraudulent practices and recommend reforms to strengthen institutional accountability.
It will also propose Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices for ART clinics and IVF Centres to promote ethical treatment practices, standardised clinical protocols, and greater transparency across the sector.
The recommendations of the committee are expected to guide future legal, policy and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening governance of the ART ecosystem while ensuring that women seeking fertility treatment are protected by the robust safeguards at every stage of the process.
The National Commission for Women has reiterated that reproductive healthcare must be guided by the principles of dignity, informed choice, transparency and accountability and that every woman accessing assisted reproductive services must be assured of safety, ethical treatment and protection of her rights.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good move by NCW. The 2021 Act was a start, but implementation has been weak. My family runs an IVF clinic in Pune and I can tell you, there are many small centres operating with minimal oversight. The medical tourism angle is tricky too – foreign patients come expecting top quality but sometimes get substandard care. Glad they're including forensic experts; traceability is critical for ethical reasons.
As an NRI who considered IVF in India due to costs, I'm relieved to see this review. We need transparency on success rates, egg/sperm donor screening, and consent processes. Hope the SOPs are practical and not just another bureaucratic layer. Also important to address the emotional toll – clinics should be required to offer counselling.
Right step but implementation is key. Many smaller cities still have clinics operating with outdated equipment and no proper records. The sex selection loophole through medical tourism is real – I've heard of cases where couples go to 'reputed' centres abroad to bypass Indian laws. Uniform protocols across states is a must! 🙏
Important but I hope this doesn't become yet another committee that takes years to produce a report. The sector is growing fast – delays mean more women at risk. Also, where's the patient representation? The committee seems heavy on experts but light on those who've actually gone through IVF. Their perspective is crucial.
My wife and I spent lakhs on IVF without success – and the clinic never explained why certain procedures were needed. There's an urgent need for transparency in treatment protocols and costs. Glad the committee includes
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