Is ART Act registration mandatory for IVF clinics in India?

Yes. Under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, all IVF clinics and gamete banks must be registered to legally provide treatment in India.

Why do some IVF clinics stop donor egg or sperm treatments?

Clinics that are awaiting approval or licensing for donor banks are not permitted to offer donor egg or sperm services, which can lead to temporary pauses in donor-based IVF treatment.

Has IVF become more expensive after the ART Act was introduced?

In some cases, yes. Clinics report higher compliance-related costs, which may increase IVF treatment prices, particularly for donor-based cycles.

Can single women undergo IVF in India under the ART Act?

Yes. Single women are permitted to access IVF treatment under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act.

Can single men or transgender persons access IVF in India?

At present, access to IVF for single men and transgender persons is limited under prevailing interpretations of the ART Act.

How India’s ART Act Is Changing IVF Treatment: What Patients Should Know

Dr. Chaithra SK

March 18, 2026

How India’s ART Act Is Changing IVF Treatment: What Patients Should Know

If you’re considering IVF in India, you may have noticed longer wait times, higher costs, or sudden changes in how clinics operate. Much of this shift can be traced back to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 — a law introduced to regulate IVF clinics and protect patients. While its intent is safety and transparency, its rollout has had side effects that directly affect people seeking fertility treatment.

Why are IVF clinics facing delays and restrictions?

India has thousands of IVF clinics, but under the ART Act, every clinic and donor bank must be officially registered before offering treatment. In practice, this process has been slow. By mid-2023, only a small fraction of clinics and donor banks had completed registration, even though many had applied.

For patients, this means some clinics are unable to offer the full range of treatments they previously did. In particular, clinics waiting for approvals may not be allowed to run donor egg or sperm programmes, even if they have the medical expertise to do so. This has led to delays in starting treatment and, in some cases, referrals to other centres.

Why are some IVF clinics closing or pausing services?

Regulatory enforcement under the ART Act is now active. Clinics operating without registration or failing to meet standards can be sealed or ordered to stop certain services. While such closures are not widespread, they create uncertainty for patients — especially those in the middle of treatment.

Smaller clinics, in particular, may pause services while waiting for approvals, rather than risk penalties. For patients, this can feel sudden and confusing, especially if communication is unclear.

How is it affecting IVF costs?

Another concern many patients raise is cost. IVF in India is largely paid for out of pocket, and compliance with the ART Act has added new expenses for clinics. These include mandatory insurance for egg donors, stricter laboratory standards, and additional staffing requirements.

Some clinicians estimate that IVF costs could rise by 100–125% in certain situations, particularly for donor-based treatments. While not every patient will see such increases, it helps explain why quotes may look different from what you were told earlier.

Who is currently eligible for IVF under the ART Act

The ART Act allows single women and married couples to access IVF treatment. At present, single men and transgender persons are generally not being offered ART services under the existing framework.

What can you do before starting IVF?

Before beginning treatment, it’s reasonable — and advisable — to ask your clinic:

Whether it is registered under the ART Act
If donor egg or sperm services are currently available
What timelines to expect in case approvals are pending
How costs might change during treatment

Clear communication upfront can help avoid unexpected delays or disruptions later.

Conclusion

The ART Act was introduced to make IVF safer and more accountable for patients. While that goal remains important, uneven implementation has led to delays, service interruptions, and higher costs. For patients, the best protection right now is information — understanding how the law affects your treatment and asking the right questions before you begin. As the system stabilises, access and clarity should improve, but until then, informed decision-making is key.

Questions to Ask Your IVF Clinic Before Starting Treatment

Before you begin IVF, asking a few clear questions can help you avoid unexpected delays, interruptions, or cost changes later.

1. Is the clinic registered under the ART Act?Ask for confirmation of ART Act registration. A compliant clinic should be able to share this transparently.

2. Are donor egg or sperm services currently available?If you need donor treatment, check whether the clinic’s donor bank is licensed or if there may be waiting periods.

3. Could my treatment be delayed due to pending approvals or inspections?Understanding this upfront helps set realistic timelines and reduces last-minute surprises.

4. What parts of the treatment cost could change during the process?Ask whether compliance-related expenses, donor insurance, or lab requirements could affect pricing later.

5. What happens if the clinic has to pause services mid-treatment?Clarify how ongoing cycles are handled if there is a regulatory pause or temporary closure.

6. Who can I contact for updates or concerns during treatment?Having a clear point of contact improves communication and reduces anxiety during an already stressful journey.