Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) refers to various medical techniques employed to aid individuals or couples in conceiving a child. These techniques include but are not limited to In Vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Gamete Donation, and Surrogacy among others. Such methods are often adopted by those facing fertility challenges such as infertility, genetic disorders, or abnormalities in the reproductive system.
New Regulations on ART
The Health Ministry introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Regulations Act, 2021, that has been viewed with concern by industry insiders. The Act, which aims to enhance medical care and security for donors and patients, has raised concerns about increased costs and limited conception opportunities for couples seeking ART treatments.
Key Features of the ART Regulations Act, 2021
Significant features of the ART Regulations Act, 2021 include the need for registration of all ART clinics and banks under the National Registry of Banks and Clinics of India. The Act also stipulates conditions for sperm and egg donation, limiting donations to certain age groups and laying down specifics about the number of times a donor can donate in their lifetime.
The Act also focuses on ensuring non-discriminatory practices by prohibiting clinics from offering children of pre-determined sex. Offenses under this law are punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines. The Act also mandates written informed consent from both the couple and the donor for ART procedures and insurance coverage favoring the oocyte donor.
Challenges and Concerns Regarding ART Regulations, 2021
Despite its intent to enhance medical security and care, the ART Regulations Act has sparked concerns about potentially increased treatment costs due to added requirements like insurance, testing, and registration fees.
Further, limitations on the number of donors and cycles per donor may result in a shortage of suitable donors. With declining fertility rates globally and in India, this could pose a significant challenge.
Considerations for the Way Forward
To counter the potential challenges and concerns emerging from the ART Regulations Act, several measures could be considered. These include enhancing affordability through subsidies and partnerships, expanding the donor pool through awareness campaigns and community support, and streamlining donor matching with advanced technology.
Additionally, research and innovation for cost-effective treatments should be encouraged, along with the development of a legal framework that protects rights and addresses ethical concerns.
Relevance of ART in UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the context of the Civil Services Examination, understanding advancements in human reproductive technology such as Pronuclear Transfer can often give candidates an edge. Pronuclear Transfer is used for the prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring and is a recent advancement in In-vitro-Fertilization (IVF) treatments. Understanding such concepts aids candidates in tackling questions about recent developments in science and technology.
