A shocking interstate fertility scam has been uncovered in Hyderabad as women from seven different states were allegedly lured to participate in commercial egg donations. Police said couples were choosing egg donors based on preferences like caste, religion, skin tone, height, education and region.

The scam allegedly involved a network of agents who identified women in need of money and lured them to Hyderabad. Some women were allegedly offered between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, whilst others were offered up to Rs 50,000.

Women Lured From Seven Different States

Women were allegedly brought to Hyderabad from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.

The network of accused allegedly used a network of agents nationwide and women's hostels and rented accommodation to house those lured to Hyderabad.

Police believe the network targeted women in need of money and offered them money in return for participation in egg donations.

Egg Donors Chosen Based On Caste, Religion And Appearance

• One of the most shocking things to come out of the investigation is how the network would choose their egg donors.
• Police said couples wanting an egg donor would specify what they wanted based on caste, religion, skin tone, height, education and region.
• These preferences would then be posted onto WhatsApp groups and other methods by the agents.
• Skin tone and region seemed to be common preferences, however the amount paid to the women depended on what was needed. Investigators said.
• This has raised concerns around commercial egg donations and potential exploitation.

Women Offered Up To Rs 50,000

Police have found that the women were being offered differing amounts based on the couples needs.

Some were allegedly offered between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. Whilst some were offered up to Rs 50,000.

Investigators believe many of these women were vulnerable due to their financial situation. Police are looking into how the women were contacted, housed and linked up to fertility centres by the agents.

Police Rescue Women And Arrest Suspects

During the investigation into the interstate network police conducted a number of raids in Hyderabad. These took place in Begumpet, Prakash Nagar, Erragadda, Saroornagar and Gopalapuram.

During the operation police rescued 43 women and made nine arrests.

They also found hormonal injections, medication, tablets, syringes, paperwork and mobile phones.

Investigators are looking into whether the women had undergone any hormonal treatments or egg extractions and whether they had the correct medical oversight and consent.

IVF Centres Investigated

Police are also looking into possible links with IVF centres, fertility centres and ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) banks.

Health officials have been asked to clarify what role fertility centres play in ensuring the donors identity, medical history and suitability.

Investigators are looking into consent forms, donor history, payments and whether the centres are registered.

They are also looking into whether the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 has been breached.

Concerns For Women's Safety And Ethical Egg Donations

• The Hyderabad fertility scam has raised concerns around women's safety, ethical egg donations and regulation of fertility treatment centres.
• Egg donations involve medical treatments such as hormonal treatments and egg extractions. Therefore correct medical oversight, consent and legal protections must be in place.
• Experts and investigators are concerned that women in need of money may be put at risk by unauthorised agents organising the treatments.
• Police are continuing their investigation to find out the full network of people involved in luring the women, what role medical centres played and whether the women were exploited.