Delhi Govt Bans Genetic Sample Transfers, Tightens Abortion Pill Sales to Curb Sex-Selective Practices
New Delhi: Confronted with a continuous decline in the sex ratio at birth, the Delhi government has rolled out tough measures, banning the transfer of genetic samples outside the city for advanced prenatal tests and tightening the sale of medical abortion pills.
According to a recent media report in the Times of India, under the new directive, diagnostic labs and clinics will no longer be allowed to send genetic material outside Delhi for analysis. Officials say the move is aimed at preventing misuse of prenatal testing for illegal sex determination. At the same time, the government has placed medical abortion pills under strict watch, warning chemists and suppliers against unregulated sales.
The crackdown follows worrying figures. Delhi’s sex ratio at birth has fallen for the fourth straight year, slipping to 920 girls per 1,000 boys in 2024. Experts attribute the decline to weak enforcement of the PCPNDT Act and the mushrooming of informal diagnostic services, which make it easier for illegal sex-selective practices to continue.
Health authorities stressed that the restrictions are designed to plug gaps in the system. “We will not allow genetic samples to move out of the city for tests that can be misused for gender determination,” a senior official said. Officials also warned that anyone selling abortion pills without proper prescription or oversight will face tough regulatory action.
Times of India reports that the new measures are part of a broader strategy by the Delhi government to check female foeticide and reverse the downward trend in the sex ratio.
By combining restrictions on genetic testing with tighter surveillance of abortion pill distribution, the Delhi government hopes to stem the worsening imbalance. However, experts caution that the success of these measures will depend on rigorous enforcement and strong coordination among health, legal, and regulatory agencies.
