Paper short abstract:

Looking at Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in Hyderabad, this paper addresses, how surrogacy, through the innovations in genomic knowledge and techno-science is countering gender stereotypes, patriarchy, contesting traditional family structures, forming newer forms of relationships and yet having serious implications of possible incestuous marriages.

Paper long abstract:

Science and technology has blended into a fine 'art' of creating 'designer' babies on the 'canvas' of the IVF clinics through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). In this globalized world, a couple from any one part of the world can 'produce' rather than 'reproduce' a baby, with the help of master artists; doctors and embryologists. Alike theatre, where there are many actors who are enacting their roles to see the grand finale 'baby', surrounded by secrecy, planning and procedures. Both the families of commissioned couples and surrogates, have hopes, aspirations and desperation but of different kind, coming together to exchange their mutual scarcities and abundance of 'babies' and 'finances'.

The demand for ART and reproductive tourism in India are for various reasons; cost differentials, legality, fewer regulations, state of art technologies and medical expertise. The demand for surrogate services has created unique forms of networks of people, groups, institutions and interesting processes to serve the demands of commissioning parents; a biological child. The paper is based on ethnographic research in Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh, India. It addresses, how surrogacy, through the innovations in genomic knowledge and techno-science is countering gender stereotypes, patriarchy, contesting traditional family structures, forming newer forms of relationships and yet having serious implications like possible incestuous marriages. In the post modern world, characterized by different groups, different moral outlooks, different relationships, appropriate social and legal response is to be formulated that can respond across the geographical, religious and cultural boundaries. The question is, is it Possible?