Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994

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Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 is an act of the Parliament of India enacted to stop female foeticides and arrest the declining sex ratio in India. The act banned prenatal sex determination.

Overview

The PCPNDT Act was enacted on 20th September 1994 with the intent to prohibit and regulate the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for determining the sex of the fetus leading to female foeticide. It was amended in 2003 to improve the regulation of the technology used in sex selection.

The primary purpose of the act is to ban the use of sex selection techniques before or after conception and prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex-selective abortions. The act mandates compulsory registration of all diagnostic laboratories, all genetic counselling centres, genetic laboratories, genetic clinics, and ultrasound clinics.

Provisions

The act contains several key provisions:

• Prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception.
• Regulation of prenatal diagnostic techniques (like ultrasound and amniocentesis) to allow them only for detecting genetic abnormalities, metabolic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, certain congenital malformations, and sex-linked disorders.
• No laboratory or centre can conduct prenatal diagnostic techniques without the requisite registration.
• A strict ban on advertising of any technique for sex selection as well as sex determination.
• Punishments for violations of the act include imprisonment and fines.

Implementation

The implementation of the PCPNDT Act involves the appointment of appropriate authorities at the central and state levels for the registration of the clinics, enforcement of the act, and investigation of complaints. Advisory committees are also established to aid and advise the appropriate authority.

Challenges

Despite the enactment of the PCPNDT Act, the implementation faces several challenges including underreporting, lack of awareness among the public, and resistance from some sections of the medical community. The act also faces challenges in terms of the misuse of technology and corruption in the system.

Impact

The act has had a positive impact in terms of creating awareness and reducing the instances of sex-selective abortions to some extent. However, the declining sex ratio in some parts of the country indicates that much needs to be done for the effective implementation of the act.

See also

• Female foeticide in India
• Sex selection
• Ultrasound
• Amniocentesis