Vandana Mudda

Pc & Pndt Act: Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Vandana Mudda

India being a developing country still faces the challenge of large-scale female foeticide and infanticide as evident by Census 2001 data that shows an alarming decline in female to male ratio. This reduced female sex ratio contributes to domestic, social and sexual violence on women. In order to check female foeticide, the Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 was enacted and became operational from 1st January 1996. Due to certain inadequacies, practical difficulties in its implementation and due to scientific advances to select sex of a child before conception, the Act has been amended, with effect from February 2003 with motives of preventing the misuse of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for Sex selective abortions. This article is an attempt to throw light on important features of PNDT act and the need of active participation of the people for its successful implementation. Gender bias and deep-rooted prejudice and discrimination against girl child and preference of male child have led to large-scale female foeticide in the last decade. The declining sex ratio is the major concern for all.