Question

What is aminocentesis and why is statutory ban on it

Answer 1

Amniocentesis is the process in which the amniotic fluid is taken out for testing for any genetic disorders. It has statutory ban on it because it was used for illegal sex determination of the foetus.

Explanation:

• The process in which the amniotic fluid is taken out of the uterus during pregnancy, which is then tested is called as amniocentesis.
• It is useful to detect any inborn genetic disorders in the developing foetus.
• It is banned because it was used to determine the sex of the developing foetus illegally.
• The amniotic fluid gives information about the chromosomes of the foetus which can be used to determine the sex of the developing foetus.
• But in India and in many other countries, this sex determination was followed by the killing of the female foeticide.
• And to prevent this inhumane act it was banned by the government and was made a punishable offence.