An estimated 28 million Indians struggle with infertility, and roughly 300,000‑350,000 in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles are performed annually. The sector, dominated by private providers, has come under intense scrutiny for unethical conduct, medical‑tourism incentives, and predatory pricing that pushes many couples into debt. In response, the National Commission for Women (NCW) announced the creation of a high‑level expert committee to review the regulatory framework governing IVF clinics, assisted reproductive technology (ART) centres, and sperm‑egg banks.

Committee Composition and Mandate

The panel will be chaired by former Delhi High Court judge Justice Asha Menon and will include senior figures from the judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynaecology, public policy and the Union Health Ministry. Their core task is to assess the implementation of the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the 2026 amendment rules, identifying gaps and recommending corrective measures.

Key Concerns Highlighted by the NCW

The commission flagged several systemic problems: breach of ethical standards, circumvention of legal safeguards such as sex‑selection bans, inconsistent treatment protocols, and rampant financial exploitation. A recent government report warned that nine out of ten couples undergoing IVF face severe financial strain, with final bills often 30‑60 % higher than advertised packages. This cost escalation has turned fertility treatment into a luxury rather than a right.

Gurugram DNA Scandal: A Catalyst for Reform

In Gurugram, a couple—Rahul Rathore and his wife—asserted that DNA tests proved their twin daughters, conceived through IVF, were not biologically theirs. The allegation sparked a legal battle after police initially failed to register their complaint; a First Information Report (FIR) was finally filed on March 31 following court intervention. The duo now demands a thorough audit of IVF records and a full investigation into potential embryo or sample mix‑ups.

Projected Outcomes and Industry Impact

The committee will evaluate existing safeguards around informed consent, privacy, and biological traceability, then draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best‑practice guidelines. By standardising clinical protocols and enhancing transparency, the recommendations aim to fortify governance of the ART ecosystem while protecting the dignity, rights, and safety of women seeking fertility care. Successful implementation could restore public confidence, curtail exploitative pricing, and align India’s IVF sector with global ethical standards.