NCW Investigates Alleged Egg Donation Racket in Maharashtra
NCW Takes Action on Disturbing Reports
New Delhi, March 5: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has initiated suo motu action following a media report that exposed a suspected illegal operation involving the extraction and sale of eggs from economically disadvantaged women in Badlapur, Maharashtra.
The Commission characterized the report as "alarming," indicating that it reveals a systematic network exploiting women through repeated commercial egg donations, which contravenes the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021.
As per the report referenced by the Commission, the alleged racket targeted financially vulnerable women, persuading or pressuring them into undergoing multiple egg extraction procedures for financial compensation.
Under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, women are allowed to donate eggs only once in their lifetime, and any form of financial incentive or commercialization is strictly forbidden.
Initial police investigations suggest that around 40 women may have been impacted by this racket. In one alarming instance, a victim reportedly underwent egg extraction procedures as many as 33 times, raising significant concerns regarding health risks and potential medical malpractice.
The NCW has vehemently condemned this situation, labeling it as "organized exploitation." The Commission emphasized that such practices not only jeopardize women's health but also infringe upon their dignity, bodily autonomy, and legal rights.
Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the NCW, has reached out to the Director General of Police in Maharashtra, urging a comprehensive, unbiased, and prompt investigation into the issue.
The Commission has instructed the state police to uncover the entire network involved in this alleged racket, including clinics, medical professionals, agents, or intermediaries who may have facilitated or profited from these unlawful procedures.
Additionally, it has mandated that authorities ensure affected women receive essential medical care, counseling, and protection.
The Maharashtra DGP has been requested to provide a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within five days.