Punjab to conduct study to investigate increasing infertility among couples

In response to escalating concerns about increasing infertility rates within the state, Punjab’s Health Minister, Balbir Singh has green-lighted a study. The goal is to uncover potential factors triggering difficulties in conception among couples. Additionally, plans are underway for the establishment of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centres in state-run medical institutions.

The minister, while chairing a meeting with the state-level board for Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, admitted concerns over the issue. The intended ART centres will offer IVF and surrogacy treatments to help couples overcome infertility challenges.

As part of their initiative, Punjab has started enforcing the ART Act and the Surrogacy Act, aiming to eliminate unethical practices such as sex selection and surrogate exploitation. The minister pointed out, “With the implementation of these Acts, all the fertility and surrogacy clinics in the state are now required to obtain registration to carry out ART or surrogacy procedures to infertile couples.”

Regulations and Controls

Already, 106 establishments, including 11 ART clinics (Level 1), 53 ART clinics (Level 2), 26 ART banks, and 16 surrogacy clinics, have yielded to the regulations. The minister highlighted that key to implementing these laws was to deter commercial exploitation and unethical practices in ART clinics and surrogacy.

Also, the minister spoke about the instituted penalties for violating the Act’s provisions, indicating a commitment to creating a fair and ethical field for couples seeking assistance with their fertility journeys.

• Concerns: Rising infertility rates among couples in Punjab.
• Action: An intensive study to identify potential causes and the establishment of ART centres.
• Legislation: Implementation of the ART Act and the Surrogacy Act to enforce ethical practices and prevent misuse.
• Control: Regulating clinics offering ART and surrogacy and imposing penalties for inappropriate actions.

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