question_answer

Amniocentesis is a common and reliable tool in prenatal diagnosis. Inspite of being such a beneficial technique it is banned in India. Comment.

Answer:

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique in which a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus of a pregnant women to detect the early development of foetus. The benefits of amniocentesis include diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, the sex of foetus and development disorders. However, it is being misused for the sex - determination of foetus that leads to female foeticides. Therefore, there is statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex - determination. It keeps a check on female foeticides.