Question

Explain what is meant by the term amniocentesis. How is this technique misused in India?

Hint:

Amniocentesis is for fetal diagnosis but misused for sex determination. VDs like gonorrhoea and syphilis can cause infertility and reproductive damage.

Answer 1

Step 1: Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Step 2: A small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus using a syringe under ultrasound guidance. Step 3: Misuse in India:

• The technique is often misused for sex determination.
• This leads to female foeticide, contributing to an imbalanced sex ratio.