Lifestyle

Surrogacy: What is it? Why do people choose this method? Here’s what we know

Surrogacy is not an unfamiliar term, but it is one which faces a lot of stigma. In order to destigmatise this mode of childbirth, there is a requirement to firstly understand what it is, and what does it involve?

Published

5 years ago

January 22, 2022

Just recently, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas broke the news of birth of their first baby girl, who is conceived via surrogacy. They are not the first and only couple to opt for surrogacy. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Sohail Khan and Preity Zinta, among others, also had their children through surrogacy.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a legal arrangement in which a woman (the gestational carrier) agrees to carry a child for the convenience of another person or individuals who will become the child’s parent(s) after delivery. A surrogacy is chosen if pregnancy is medically not possible, the pregnancy risks involved are lethal, or simply when a single person or a male couple wishes to have a child. Monetary compensation can be involved in the process.

It is an emotionally, medically and financially complex, but rewarding process.

Why do people opt for surrogacy? ‘

People may opt for surrogacy for the following reasons:

If a woman is unable to conceive due to health conditions.

If a woman is not able to become pregnant due to a hysterectomy, a missing part in her uterus, ovaries or genital tract.

If a single man wants to have a child using his sperm.

If a woman wishes to have a child using her eggs.

If a same-sex couple wishes to have children.

What are the things that should be kept in mind before entering a surrogacy arrangement?

Before entering a surrogacy arrangement, various factors have to be kept in mind. First and foremost, all the parties included should be mentally and physically healthy. There should be clear boundaries and understanding between the surrogate (the woman carrying the child) and the parents.

Everything about medical processes and finances should be reasonably discussed at the beginning. The involved parties should also discuss how the pregnancy and birth will be managed.

What are the two types of surrogacy?

There are two types of surrogacy, Traditional and Gestational.

In a traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilised by the intended father’s or a donor’s sperm (also known as partial, natural, or direct surrogacy).

When an embryo developed using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technology is put in a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, it is known as gestational surrogacy.

What is the process of childbirth via surrogacy?

Firstly, it is very necessary to consider if surrogacy is the right option, as it is a major decision for any couple, individual, or potential surrogate.

Once the parent(s) decide to go further with surrogacy, prepare a contract and prepare for surrogacy. These choices will help you decide how you want your surrogacy to progress and construct your surrogacy plan, which lays out your objectives and preferences for the whole surrogacy process.

Next up, find your surrogate mother. It is possible through agencies, as well. Once the match is found, both parties should get to know each other. And finally, a contact or an agreement should be signed, which is legally binding.

Then begins the medical aspect of the process. The fertilisation and embryo transfer process is started.

As soon as the pregnancy process begins, the parent(s) and the surrogate should communicate openly, and the surrogate should be taken good care of. Soon, welcome the new born!

Up Next

Are you concerned about your child’s height? Add these food items in your kid’s diet

Don't Miss

Having stiff neck? Here are some Yoga tips to help you out

Lifestyle

15 August 2026 wishes to share patriotic messages with friends and family

Looking for Independence Day wishes? Here are 10 patriotic messages to share with friends, family and loved ones on August 15.

Published

1 day ago

August 14, 2026

APNLive Desk

15 August Independence Day patriotic wishes and messages

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15. The occasion is marked by remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

On this special day, people often exchange wishes through social media, WhatsApp and text messages. If you are looking for patriotic messages to send to friends and family, here are 10 options for Independence Day 2026.

10 patriotic Independence Day wishes for August 15

1. A patriotic message

The tricolour is our pride and India is our identity. Remembering the heroes of the nation, wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

2. Remembering the freedom fighters

A heartfelt salute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

3. Independence Day message for friends

On the festival of freedom, may the spirit of patriotism always remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces. Wishing all my friends a very happy August 15. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

4. Independence Day wish for family

Salute to our motherland, India, which fills us with pride. Wishing my entire family a very happy Independence Day.

5. A message celebrating the tricolour

The tricolour flying high in the sky represents unity, courage and honour. Let us always uphold its dignity. Happy Independence Day!

6. Message for children and youth

Freedom is not just a right but also a great responsibility. Let us contribute towards making our country better. Wishing you a very happy Independence Day.

7. A message dedicated to soldiers

A salute to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, because of whom we feel safe in our homes. Salute to all the courageous soldiers and best wishes on Independence Day.

8. A heartfelt Independence Day message

The fragrance of our soil, the pride of the tricolour and respect for our motherland are part of our identity. Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day.

9. Independence Day message for social media

Say with pride that we are Indians; the tricolour is our identity. May the spirit of patriotism always remain alive in our hearts. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

10. Wish for India’s bright future

On this Independence Day, let us pledge to always uphold the unity, integrity and honour of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy August 15.

Independence Day is also an occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the nation. The day can inspire us to learn from the struggles of the freedom fighters and contribute to the country’s progress.

Lifestyle

Happy Friendship Day 2026: Heartwarming quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on August 2. Explore its history, significance and the best Friendship Day quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 2, 2026

APNLive Desk

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on Sunday, August 2, across India and several other countries where the occasion falls on the first Sunday of August. The day recognises the importance of friendship and celebrates the companionship, trust and support that friends bring into people’s lives.

As people mark the occasion, many are exchanging heartfelt wishes, messages and quotes on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram to express gratitude for their closest friends.

History and significance of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day was first introduced in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. The concept was to dedicate August 2 as a day for people to appreciate their friends by sending greeting cards. Although the tradition initially became popular, its appeal later declined in the United States.

The movement gained wider recognition in 1958 when Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho proposed celebrating friendship during a gathering in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. His initiative resulted in the formation of the World Friendship Crusade, an organisation that promotes peace and friendship among people worldwide.

In 2011, the United Nations officially declared July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. However, countries such as India continue to celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.

Best Friendship Day 2026 quotes and wishes

Here are some messages and quotes that can be shared with friends on WhatsApp or posted as Instagram status updates:

“Real friendship isn’t about being inseparable, but about being separated and nothing changes. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friends are the family we choose. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Celebrating the people who make my world warmer. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who stayed. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to the laughs, the memories, and the unbreakable bond we share.”

“Wishing you a Friendship Day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.”

“Cheers to all the crazy, wonderful times we’ve shared. Happy Friendship Day!”

“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship is the greatest gift of life. Happy Friendship Day to all my dear friends!”

“To the one who has seen me at my best and stood by me at my worst—thank you for being my constant anchor. Happy Friendship Day 2026!”

“Distance might keep us apart, but real friendship doesn’t care about miles. Cheers to another year of shared memories and unconditional support. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Life is unpredictable, but having a friend like you makes every hurdle easier to cross. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Thanks for knowing all my weirdest habits and still choosing to be seen with me in public.”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other’s embarrassing secrets!”

“Grateful for the ones who make quiet moments comfortable and crazy moments unforgettable. Happy Friendship Day!”

As people celebrate Friendship Day 2026, these heartfelt wishes continue to remind everyone of the enduring value of genuine friendships and the memories shared with those who stand by us through every stage of life.

India News

Father’s Day 2026: date, history, significance and budget-friendly gift ideas for dads

Father’s Day 2026 falls on June 21. Learn about its history, significance, celebration traditions and affordable gift ideas to honour fathers and father figures.

Published

2 months ago

June 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Father’s Day 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, June 21, offering families an opportunity to honour fathers and father figures for their love, support, guidance and sacrifices. In India, as well as in several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, the occasion is observed on the third Sunday of June every year.

The day is dedicated not only to fathers but also to grandfathers, stepfathers, guardians and mentors who play an important role in shaping lives and supporting families.

When is Father’s Day 2026?

Father’s Day 2026 falls on June 21, which is the third Sunday of June. The date changes each year, but the tradition of celebrating it on the third Sunday of June remains the same in many countries, including India.

History of Father’s Day

The modern observance of Father’s Day is widely linked to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Inspired by Mother’s Day celebrations, she wanted to honour her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent after his wife’s death. Her efforts led to one of the earliest Father’s Day celebrations in Spokane on June 19, 1910.

Over the following decades, support for the observance grew across the United States. Father’s Day was officially recognised as a national holiday in 1972 when then-US President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation establishing it as an annual celebration.

Significance of Father’s Day

Father’s Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge the contribution of fathers and father figures in family life. The occasion recognises their role in providing emotional support, guidance, protection and encouragement. It is also an opportunity for families to express gratitude and strengthen their bonds through meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

How is Father’s Day celebrated?

People celebrate Father’s Day in different ways, depending on family traditions and personal preferences. Common celebrations include:

Spending quality time with family
Organising a special meal or outing
Giving greeting cards and gifts
Sharing heartfelt messages and memories
Planning activities based on a father’s hobbies and interests

Many families are increasingly choosing experiences such as dining outings, creative workshops and family gatherings over traditional gifts.

Budget-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas

You do not need to spend a large amount of money to make Father’s Day special. Some thoughtful and affordable gift options include:

A handwritten letter expressing gratitude
A personalised photo frame or photo collage
A notebook, planner or quality pen
A customised coffee mug
A favourite book
Homemade snacks or a special meal
A keychain with a personal message
A DIY greeting card
A playlist featuring your father’s favourite songs
A family memory scrapbook

Personalised and heartfelt gifts often carry more emotional value than expensive presents and can become cherished keepsakes.

Father’s Day 2026, which falls on June 21, is an occasion to celebrate the love, sacrifices and guidance provided by fathers and father figures. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a heartfelt message or simply spending time together, the day offers a meaningful opportunity to show appreciation and create lasting memories.