A Fiendish Scandal Uncovered

The expose of foeticide racket in Mysore and the magnitude—reportedly 900 sex determination tests—should come as a shocking news for all those who thought that Karnataka is a progressive state and free from any such malady and nefarious practitioners.

The police have arrested five individuals including two doctors and are looking for five more suspects related to the case. It is surprising that the accused had a free reign for a length of time that saw 900 such tests being carried out in Mandya and Mysuru.

Presumably, a crime of this dimension could not have continued without the knowledge and connivance of officials from the Health Department.

It was in 1994 that sex determination tests on pregnant women were made illegal with the enactment of Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Regulation and Prevention of Misuse Act.

Studies testify that 70% of all abortions performed in Delhi are termination due to the fetus being female.

The case is testimony to the fact that despite female foeticide being punishable by lengthy prison terms, sex-selective abortions are being carried out secretly.

It is suggestive of the mindset whereby desire for male child outweighs the need to avoid state penalty. It all boils down to finding ways for the effective enforcement of the progressive legislation.

It is not difficult to anticipate that fraudulent practitioners of health will not cooperate in complying with such a law as their self-interest will be at stake.

It is therefore imperative that the state provides impetus to all schemes targeted at elevating the status of women in the society