Perceptions and Legal Awareness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Chennai

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has emerged as a pivotal solution for infertility, reshaping traditional concepts of family and reproduction. In India, the proliferation of ART clinics and the growing demand for reproductive assistance have led to complex ethical, legal, and social concerns. This paper critically examines the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, focusing on public awareness, attitudes, and perceived effectiveness of the law in governing ART practices. Employing a semi-structured questionnaire and convenience sampling method, the study gathers responses from 300 individuals across diverse socio-demographic backgrounds in India. The findings, presented through eight pie charts, reveal significant gaps in public knowledge about ART laws, mixed opinions on surrogacy, and strong support for tighter regulation and ethical oversight. The paper argues for increased legal literacy, enhanced transparency in ART clinics, and a more inclusive regulatory framework that protects the rights of all stakeholders, including intended parents, donors, surrogates, and children born through ART. This research contributes to the growing discourse on reproductive justice, biomedical ethics, and the role of law in mediating emerging technologies in India.