The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genetic engineering.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART), human cloning, stem cells, etc., has opened up the unimagined and
promise unquestionable benefits to mankind. Infertility is a source of social and psychological suffering for both
men and women and can place great pressure on the relationship within the couple. One in six couples of any
society remains infertile and 10% of them need help of ART. The paper focuses on medico-legal aspects of Assisted
reproductive technology (ART) – embryo ethics and surrogacy. After introducing the topic briefly, it clarifies the
meaning, definitions of surrogacy. It also deals with the kinds of surrogacy followed by the discussion of its
historical background in regard with the Indian and world context. It also discusses on the commercialization of
surrogacy and the surrogacy super mart prevalent in India. Also, the discovery of stem cells, more particularly,
embryonic stem cells with its possible clinical application has generated great curiosity amongst medical
professionals and general public. The paper also attempts to establish the ethical and legal issues with regard to
the embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells offer hope for new therapies, but
their use in research has been hotly debated. Different countries have chosen to
regulate this research in very different ways. Embryonic stem cell research poses a
moral dilemma. Further, it discusses the law relating to surrogacy in India and the recent amendments. The
judicial response in India regarding surrogacy has also been discussed. While the use of donor gametes
and gestational surrogates provides another set of options for infertile couples, the scientific,
ethical, and policy issues are complex enough to warrant a separate report. The paper concludes
by putting forth the concluding observations followed by some guidelines on Assisted reproductive technology