Chapter 3

NCERT
Class 12
Biology
Solutions
Why is amniocentesis for sex determination banned in India? Is this ban necessary?

Question:

Why is amniocentesis for sex determination banned in India? Is this ban necessary?

Answer:

The ban is absolutely necessary because if families were allowed to know the baby’s sex before birth, many might misuse it and go for sex-selective abortions. This makes gender imbalance in society, where the number of boys and girls is not equal, leading to long-term social problems and discrimination.

Prenatal tests like ultrasound or genetic screening are supposed to be used only for medical reasons – such as checking the baby’s health, growth, or detecting disorders. Using them just to know if it’s a boy or girl promotes inequality and is harmful for society.

Key Points You Need to Know

  • Main Reason for Ban: To stop sex-selective abortions and protect girl children.
  • Gender Imbalance: Misuse of tests can disturb the natural male-female ratio.
  • Medical Use Only: Prenatal tests are meant for health checks, not gender selection.
  • Social Impact: Ban promotes equality, protects unborn girls, and reduces discrimination.