New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded a review of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, stating that the present legislation has led to harassment of obstetricians and radiologists and has failed to restore the sex ratio of the country. The demand came after the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Sections 23(1) and 23(2) of the act.

The primary goal of enacting the PCPNDT Act was to put an end to the misuse of sex selection techniques and prevent female feticides. IMA demands that the act be reconceived.

IMA president, Santanu Sen, said that the laymans approach of the legislation has led to constant harassment of every practicing obstetrician and radiologist in the country. The sex ratio of the country has also deteriorated.

According to the IMA, no movement for the girl child can be successful without the partnership and support of the medical profession.

R V Asokan, secretary general of IMA, said that it is unacceptable to presume that every obstetrician and radiologist is culpable of sex selection and female feticide. Culpability of the involved couple and the family also needs to be brought under the majesty of the law.

Sen stated that it is time that the effectiveness of the law in addressing the issue is reviewed. Abrogating the current law and formulating one with equal responsibility and participation of everyone concerned is the right approach. Sen added that the medical profession reserves the right to withdraw appropriate services and oppose all the harassment and injustice it is subjected to.