Sex determination: abortion centres under PMC scanner

Several MTP centres were de-recognised after health officials found they were not complying with criteria like providing blood transfusion facilities,emergency medicines and periodically disinfecting operation theatres. Some MTP centres did not have oxygen cylinders,officials said.

As per the MTP Act,1971,abortion is legal and provides for termination within 12 weeks of pregnancy. There are certain terms and conditions under the MTP Act where abortion can be done if there is a risk to the life of the pregnant woman and a risk to the child who may suffer from serious abnormalities. Pregnancy as a result of rape can also be terminated. Contraception failure is also a ground to terminate a pregnancy. However beyond 12 weeks,abortion can be done only on the written advice of at least two registered medical practitioners. Also,this can be done only upto the end of the 20th week.

A total of 39 MTP centres have been inspected in Pune,150 in Nashik,46 in Nagpur,36 in Akola,108 in Aurangabad,101 in Latur,130 in Kolhapur and 76 in Thane. Over 150 sonography centres have been sealed across the state. Of the 33 MTP centres deregistered,six were in Beed,five in Nanded,eight in Nashik,two each in Satara and Dhule and one each in Latur,Osmanabad,Sangli,Washim,Pune and other regions.

“From July 1 we will intensify the campaign,” said Dr R R Pardeshi,chief medical officer of health,PMC. He urged doctors to comply with the rules. As per the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act,failure to fill the ‘F’ form accurately,which provides details of the pregnant woman,is treated as an offence. Dr A Shahade,president of the city unit of Indian Medical Association,has also started counselling sessions along with the PMC for gynaecologists and radiologists to understand the Act.