Question

A statutory ban on amniocentesis in India was necessary because

• A. it can be used for pre-natal sex determination to be foetus leading to female foeticides
• B. it is an invasive procedure and carries a high risk of abortion
• C. it can tell about genetic abnormalities
• D. it is an expensive and time-consuming process

Answer 1

The correct option is A it can be used for pre-natal sex determination to be foetus leading to female foeticides

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique wherein a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the amniotic sac of the developing foetus to detect the early development of the foetus and underlying problems, if any. That’s why it is also called an amniotic fluid test or AFT. Amniocentesis tests are done to detect abnormalities in genes or chromosomes. It can detect disorders like Down syndromes, Turner’s syndrome including several inherited disorders. However, this procedure is marked by rampant misuse. Amniocentesis allows the identification of sex in the uterus of the mother (pre-natal sex determination) and this has led to abortion or killing of female foetuses, which reflects in the sex ratio of many states of our nation. Therefore, a statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex determination keeps a check on female foeticides.
This amniotic fluid test (AFT) is generally performed within 14-20 weeks of the pregnancy. This procedure utilises ultrasound as a guide to locate the exact spot for harvesting the amniotic fluid, this whole process takes less than an hour to perform, but its cost can range from ₹ 15000 to ₹ 24000 excluding the doctor’s consultation fees.