Haryana's Proposed Abortion Clinic Cap Stirs Controversy
The Haryana health department's recent initiative to restrict gynaecologists from performing abortions at more than two medical centres has ignited significant concern among medical practitioners across the state. Gynaecologists are raising alarms, stating that this proposed rule directly contradicts the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which contains no such limitation on the number of clinics where a qualified doctor can practice.
Official Rationale vs. Medical Community's Apprehensions
This development follows a directive from Haryana additional chief secretary (health) Sudhir Rajpal, who on Tuesday instructed officers to draft a formal proposal. The plan aims to prevent gynaecologists from registering with multiple MTP centres. An official from the department explained that the move is intended to close a loophole that could allow unqualified practitioners, or quacks, to perform abortions in a gynaecologist's absence at a registered centre. "This proposal is meant to ensure that quacks are not taking advantage of the provision," the official stated.
However, the medical community views this as a misguided solution. A leading Panchkula gynaecologist argued that the proposal would hinder a doctor's ability to provide emergency care. "If implemented, a gynaecologist will not be able to conduct an abortion at a clinic where she is not registered, even to save a life. Qualified practitioners will not risk indulging in female foeticide for a small amount of money," the doctor emphasized, highlighting the misplaced focus of the policy.
Risks to Rural Healthcare and Safe Abortion Access
Many doctors fear the rule will disproportionately affect rural healthcare in Haryana, where a limited number of qualified specialists serve multiple centres. They warn that restricting access to safe, legal abortions will inevitably push women towards dangerous, illegal alternatives. "If a family seeking an abortion cannot find a gynaecologist nearby, they may turn to a quack, which poses a serious risk to the woman's life," explained another practitioner.
This concern points to a larger issue of safe abortion access in India, particularly in regions already struggling with healthcare infrastructure. The consensus among critics is that the policy fails to address the root cause of the problem—the societal preference for sons.
Broader Context: The Fight Against a Skewed Sex Ratio
These regulatory efforts are part of the Haryana government's intensified campaign to improve the state's severely skewed sex ratio. Official data revealed that in 2024, the ratio fell to 910 girls for every 1,000 boys, marking the lowest point in eight years. Determined to raise this figure to 920, authorities are tightening surveillance on gender-determination practices and cracking down on illegal abortions in Haryana.
Some medical professionals believe the government's focus should be on changing deep-seated social attitudes. One gynaecologist noted, "The problem lies with the mindset of people, not with qualified professionals. We need to create a gender-friendly environment with more job opportunities and quality education for girls."
In response to the backlash, a health department official assured that "their concerns will be kept in mind while finalising the proposal" and that it would be ensured the provision aligns with the national MTP Act. The debate continues as the state grapples with balancing regulatory control with the protection of women’s reproductive rights in Haryana.
