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Mayuri Singhal, 36, married into a fair-skinned family. She herself is what is often described in matrimonial columns as 'wheatish'. When she couldn't conceive, she walked into an IVF clinic with her demand: a 'white' baby. "I had read on the internet that one could access a donor who is fair. I decided to opt for one so that the child blends in with the family."

 According to the World Health Organization, there are close to 19 million infertile couples in India and their numbers are growing. "Couples who come for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) list out specifications — the egg or sperm donor should be educated, fair, have blue eyes," says Dr Rita Bakshi, an IVF expert. Dr Bakshi says roughly 70% clients ask for fair donors.

Infertility experts warn that getting a 'designer' baby is difficult and expensive. "You need a lot of paperwork and approvals," cautions Dr Anjali Malpani, a Mumbai-based fertility specialist. European donors may charge between $1,000 to $5,000 (Rs 6,000 to Rs 30,000 approximately) depending on factors such as physical health and educational background.

Dr...