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According to an NCW statement issued on Thursday, the committee will be chaired by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Asha Menon and will include experts from the judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynaecology, public policy, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The commission said the panel has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the laws and regulations governing IVF clinics, ART centres, and gamete banks, to safeguard the reproductive rights, dignity, and safety of women.
Although registration with the National ART and Surrogacy Registry is mandatory for all ART clinics and gamete banks, the NCW noted that regulatory compliance alone has not been enough to curb unethical practices in the sector.
The commission also flagged concerns over the rise of medical tourism in fertility treatment, warning that it could lead to the circumvention of India's legal safeguards, including laws aimed at preventing sex selection.
The panel includes former IPS officer Sundari Nanda, former NCW member Archana Majumdar, NCW Advisory Committee member Dr Shipra Dhar and senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani.
Other members include Dr Sarvesh Tandon of Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS gynaecologist Dr Neeta Singh, social worker Dr Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, Dr Rajnikant Contractor of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, a nominee of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's ART Division and NCW senior coordinator Kanchan Khattar
Highlighting the lack of uniform treatment protocols across states, the NCW said stronger oversight is needed to protect women from unnecessary medical procedures, inconsistent standards of care, and financial exploitation.
The expert committee will examine the implementation of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the relevant amendment rules notified in 2026, and recommend measures to strengthen the existing regulatory framework.
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