Mumbai, July 11:
The National Commission for Women (NCW) said it has constituted a high-level expert committee to review the regulatory framework governing IVF clinics, assisted reproductive technology centres and gamete banks amid concerns over irregularities in the rapidly expanding fertility sector.
The committee will be chaired by Delhi High Court’s retired judge Asha Menon, and comprises experts from the judiciary, medicine, forensic science, law enforcement, gynaecology, public policy and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, according to an NCW statement released on Thursday.
“Amid growing concerns over irregularities in the rapidly expanding Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) sector, the NCW has constituted a high-level expert committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework and concerned laws governing IVF clinics, ART centres and gamete banks, with a focus on protecting the reproductive rights, dignity and safety of women,” the statement said.
The NCW said that while registration under the National ART and Surrogacy Registry is mandatory for all ART clinics and gamete banks, “regulatory compliance alone has not been sufficient to prevent unethical practices”.
“The emergence of medical tourism in the fertility sector has also raised concerns about the possible circumvention of India’s legal safeguards, including those aimed at preventing sex selection,” it said.
According to the commission, the absence of uniform treatment protocols across states has highlighted the need for stronger oversight to protect women from unnecessary procedures, inconsistent standards of care and financial exploitation.