New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet today approved the historic ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill 2020’, intended to protect women’s reproductive rights.
The development comes after the introduction of the Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2020 in Parliament, and the approval of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill 2020.
These legislative measures are path-breaking steps to protect women’s reproductive rights, the government said in a statement after the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Once the Bill is enacted by the Parliament, the Central Government shall notify the date of the commencement of the Act. Accordingly, the National Board will be constituted, an official statement said.
The National Board shall lay down code of conduct to be observed by persons working at clinics, to set the minimum standards of physical framework, research centre and diagnostic equipment and expert manpower to be employed by clinics and banks.
The states and Union Territories shall constitute the state boards and state authorities within 3 months of the notification by the Central Government.
“A national board will lay down code of conduct and the state board will be set up to help implement the legal framework,” the government said.
A central database of clinics and banks will also be established, it said, adding those indulging in embryo sale and trafficking can be fined and even put behind bars as per the provisions of the bill.
The major benefit of the Act would be that it will regulate the Assisted Reproductive Technology services in the country, read an official statement.
