Introduction
In a decisive move to address the persistent issue of female foeticide, the Haryana government has established a dedicated task force aimed at curbing illegal abortions and improving the state’s declining sex ratio. Recent actions include the cancellation or voluntary surrender of licenses by 300 out of 1,500 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) centers. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating a drop in the sex ratio at birth from 923 girls per 1,000 boys in 2019 to 910 in 2024.
Task Force Formation and Objective
Led by Dr. Virender Yadav, Director of the National Health Mission-Haryana, the newly formed task force comprises senior officials from the health, women and child development, drug control, and police departments. The team is mandated to conduct weekly reviews and field visits every Tuesday to monitor and enforce compliance with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Enforcement Actions and Legal Measures
- Clinic License Revocations: Out of 1,500 MTP centers, 300 have either had their registrations canceled or have voluntarily surrendered their licenses.
- Legal Notices and FIRs: Notices have been issued to 23 abortion centers, and First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against 17 online sellers of MTP kits.
- Raids and Suspensions: A total of 23 raids have been conducted to enforce the PCPNDT Act. The PNDT nodal officer of Hisar has been suspended, and show-cause notices have been issued to senior medical officers at 12 Community Health Centers (CHCs). Medical officers from three CHCs with the worst sex ratios have been charge-sheeted.
- District-Level Changes: Nodal officers in five districts with the lowest sex ratios—Charkhi Dadri, Rewari, Rohtak, Gurugram, and Faridabad—have been replaced to ensure more effective oversight.
Monitoring IVF and Ultrasound Centers
The task force is also scrutinizing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and ultrasound centers. Unregistered IVF clinics are slated for closure, and those exhibiting abnormal sex ratio trends are under investigation. Criminal charges have been filed against agents involved in facilitating illegal abortions.
Community Outreach and Incentive Programs
To combat societal pressures leading to female foeticide, the Haryana government is counseling approximately 62,000 pregnant women who already have at least one daughter. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers are tasked with monitoring these pregnancies and are offered an incentive of ₹1,000 for each safe birth of a girl child. Preliminary data indicates a slight improvement in the sex ratio, rising to 911 girls per 1,000 boys since March.
Conclusion
Haryana’s aggressive measures against female foeticide reflect a comprehensive approach involving legal enforcement, medical oversight, and community engagement. While early indicators show a marginal improvement in the sex ratio, sustained efforts and societal change are essential to eradicate gender-based discrimination and ensure the birth and well-being of girl children in the state.
