Question

If the implementation of better techniques and new strategies are required to provide more efficient care and assistance to people, then why is there a statutory ban on amniocentesis? Write the use of this technique and give reason to justify the ban.

Answer 1

Hint: A disorder screening based on the chromosomal pattern in the amniotic fluid accompanying the developing embryo is amniocentesis. It is used to diagnose in the embryo any chromosomal mutation. But it is misused by determining sex of the foetus.

Complete answer:
- Reproductive health refers specifically to reproductive organs with normal activities that are healthy. Reproductive wellness means complete well-being in all areas of reproduction, i.e., physical, mental, behavioural and social, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- In India, family planning programmes were launched in 1951 and have been regularly reviewed in recent decades. The programmes were enhanced and included reproduction-related areas under the common name Reproductive and Child Healthcare (RCH) programmes. In 1997, it was released.
- Good support and infrastructural services are required for the efficient implementation of action plans such as offering medical assistance and treatment for reproductive issues, conception, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraceptives, menstrual disorders, infertility, etc.
- A prenatal screening procedure is the amniocentesis, in which a sample of amniotic fluid is obtained from the uterus of pregnant women to detect early foetal growth.
- The advantages of amniocentesis include the diagnosis of chromosomal defects and foetal developmental disorders. It is, however, being misused for foetus sex-determination that contributes to female foeticides.
- Therefore, the constitutional prohibition of amniocentesis for sex determination holds female foeticides under control. That means the government imposed a statutory ban on it. And the procedure prohibition is a right step because those who find the baby to be a female, several parents choose to abort the baby, which raises the rate of female foeticides.

The uses of this technique are as follows:
- Legally checking female foeticide or misuse of the technique of sex determination.
- Abnormal chromosome identification, i.e., genetic disorder.
- Preventing female foeticide and thus preventing the change in the population's sex ratio.

Note: Under the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act, amniocentesis was prohibited in India in 1994. This was because the identity of the foetus could be discovered by amniocentesis. Since a girl's child is not tolerated in many parts of the world, in most cases the female foetus is aborted. Amniocentesis was banned in India to avoid this.