Amid growing concerns over irregularities in the rapidly growing ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology’ (ART) sector, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has formed a high-level expert committee. This committee will completely review the rules and laws governing IVF clinics, ART centers and gamete banks. Its main objective is to protect the reproductive rights, dignity and safety of women.
This expert committee will be headed by Justice (retired) Asha Menon, former judge of Delhi High Court. It will include experts from judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynecology, public policy and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The purpose of involving people from such diverse fields is to thoroughly examine the legal, ethical, medical and administrative issues related to ART.
It is necessary to register in ART and Surrogacy Registry.
Although it is mandatory for all ART clinics and gamete banks to register with the ‘National ART and Surrogacy Registry’, the Commission has observed that merely following the rules is not enough to stop unethical practices. The rise of medical tourism in the fertility sector has raised concerns about violating India’s legal safeguards, such as rules prohibiting sex selection. Due to the lack of uniform treatment protocols across states, there is a need for better monitoring to protect women from unnecessary procedures, varying standards of care, and financial exploitation.
Existing security measures will be examined
The committee will review the implementation of the ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021’, ‘Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021’ and related amendment rules notified in 2026. It will examine existing safeguards related to consent, privacy and biological traceability. Identify legal and procedural deficiencies that may lead to exploitation or fraud. and recommend reforms to strengthen institutional accountability.
It will also suggest standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for ART clinics and IVF centres. So that ethical treatment, uniform clinical standards and greater transparency can be promoted across the sector.
Respect for reproductive health services
It is expected that the committee’s recommendations will guide future legal, policy and administrative reforms. These reforms aim to improve the functioning of the ART ecosystem and ensure stronger safeguards for women undergoing fertility treatment at every stage of the process. The National Commission for Women has again said that reproductive health services should be based on principles like respect, freedom to take informed decisions, transparency and accountability. Furthermore, every woman availing herself of assisted reproductive services must be assured of safety, ethical behavior and protection of her rights.
organizing committee
1. Asha Menon, Retired Judge, Delhi High Court Chairperson
2. Sundari Nanda, retired IPS officer, AGMUT cadre member
3. Dr. Archana Majumdar, former member, National Commission for Women
4. Dr. Shipra Dhar, Member, Advisory Committee, National Commission for Women
5. Mahalakshmi Pavani, Senior Advocate, Member, Supreme Court of India
6. Dr. Sarvesh Tandon, Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital Member
7. Dr. Neeta Singh, Gynecologist, AIIMS, New Delhi Member
8. Dr. Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, Social Worker Member
9. Dr. Rajnikanth Contractor (MD), Gynecologist, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) Member
10. Nominee, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (ART Division) Member
11. Kanchan Khattar, Senior Coordinator, National Commission for Women Member Convenor
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