Age Bar in Surrogacy Act Not Retrospective – Supreme Court Upholds Reproductive Rights
In 2020, the petitioners were advised to opt for surrogacy due to advanced age, excessive bleeding during earlier pregnancies and other issues.
On 28.8.2020, the first attempt at “egg retrieval” had failed. Second attempt on 26.1.2021 was successful. However, the transfer of embryo into surrogate womb was stalled due to pandemic.
Surrogacy Act, 2021, came into force on 25.1.2022. Section 4 regulates surrogacy procedures. Sub-clause (I) of Clause [c] of Section 4(iii) provides for the age limit that the intending couple are married and between the age of 23 to 50 years in case of female and 26 to 55 years in case of male on the date of certification.
On 3.2.2024, the second opinion was taken that the couple needs surrogacy. However, it was noted that the law does not permit surrogacy due to age.
Judgment dated 9.10.2025 of the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No.331 of 2024 of Vijaya Kumari S and another Vs. Union of India with connected matters.

