“Ultra-sonography is abused for determining the sex of the foetus, though it is meant only to check any abnormalities in the foetus. As a result, female foeticide is rampant.”

Female Foeticide in Karnataka, India
Times of India (Electronic Edition)

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

BANGALORE: Alarmed over the increasing number of female foeticide cases, the Karnataka government has written to all manufacturers of ultra-sonograph equipment to furnish a list of their clients. Misuse of ultra-sonography by hundreds of unlicensed clinics has led to female foeticide being rampant in several districts in the state. The female sex-ratio had also declined in many districts due to this dangerous practice, official sources told The Times of India.

"Ultra-sonography is abused for determining the sex of the foetus, though it is meant only to check any abnormalities in the foetus. As a result, female foeticide is rampant. Once we get the list of people who are purchasing these equipment, it will be easier for us to crack the whip,” the sources said.

Interestingly, a survey conducted by the government revealed that only 12 to 14 of the nearly 500 ultra-sound clinics were registered. The government has now issued notices to all centres using ultra-sound scanning to compulsorily register.

According to Human Genetics Professor Manorama Thomas, who is heading the state-advisory committee to check the incidence of female foeticide, there are centres which conducted sex-determination tests for as low as Rs 100. It is a tough job for the committee to zero in on people abusing the ultra-sound for determining the sex of the foetus.

"If there are people who want to know the sex of the child, there are doctors to provide it for a price. So who is to complain?,” a government official said.

The government is now planning to send teams in disguise to get first-hand information. The committee comprising Rajamma, Department of Paediatrics, Vani Vilas hospital, Benkappa from the Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, besides representatives from the women and child development department, health and family welfare and non-government organisations, will also conduct surprise inspections.

Ironically, there were doctors who were providing mobile services to people. "Many are willing to go to the patient's home and conduct the test. This will ensure that they are not exposed. The doctors carry the equipment with them,” the sources said.

Yet another reason for the rise in the female foeticide in the state is the misuse of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). On an average, there are nearly six to seven pregnancies terminated every month in each district and reports are silent on the sex of the foetus that is terminated.

Last year, following a public interest litigation, the Supreme Court directed all the states to constitute appropriate authorities to check incidence of female foeticide.

On its part, Karnataka has already filed a compliance report in the Supreme Court on the measures initiated by the government, which includes setting up of the state supervisory committee and district committees to ensure that all centres possessing diagnostic equipment are registered with the government.

Go to the “Women's Page”