Gadwal: Conducting gender determination tests is illegal and punishable under the law, said District Welfare Officer Sunanda.
An awareness program on the PCPNDT Act (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act) was organized on Thursday at the Jogulamba Gadwal District Government Hospital. The event was held under the guidance of the Women and Child Welfare Department as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the central government’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” program.
During the event, Officer Sunanda explained that medical tests should focus on the health of the mother and child. However, these tests are often misused to determine the gender of the fetus. She pointed out that this practice frequently leads to female feticide, which negatively affects the male-to-female ratio in India.
Sunanda also addressed the issue of social discrimination against girls and the preference for male children. She explained that many families continue to have children until a boy is born, further exacerbating gender imbalance in society.
The officer advised pregnant women to eat nutritious food, maintain good health, and avoid stress or fasting during pregnancy. Attendees were also educated about the legal consequences of violating the PCPNDT Act.
The program saw participation from several officials and community members, including District Women Empowerment Center Coordinator Jyotsna, Sakhi Center staff member Shobha, District Child Protection Unit officer Suresh, Childline representative Dastagiri, hospital staff, and pregnant women.
