Bare Act
The Maharashtra Regulation of Use of Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1988
This Act regulates the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques, such as amniocentesis and ultrasonography, within the State of Maharashtra. Its primary objective is to prevent the misuse of these medical technologies for sex determination, which historically facilitated female foeticide. The law mandates the registration of all genetic clinics, laboratories, and counselling centres. It restricts diagnostic procedures to specific medical conditions, such as genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities, and strictly prohibits sex-selective testing. By establishing oversight authorities and vigilance committees, the Act ensures medical accountability, protects the rights of the unborn, and enforces strict penalties for any violations by medical practitioners or families.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Regulation of centres and clinics
- 4. Regulation of pre-natal diagnostic procedures and techniques
- 5. Prohibition of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for certain purposes
- 6. Constitution of State Appropriate Authority
- 7. Meetings of Authority
- 8. Functions of Authority
- 9. Registration of pre-natal diagnostic centres, laboratories or clinics
- 10. Certificate of registration
- 11. Cancellation or suspension of registration
- 12. Appeal
- 13. State Vigilance Committee
- 14. Functions of State Vigilance Committee
- 15. Meetings of State Vigilance Committee
- 16. Local Vigilance Committees
- 17. Meetings of local Vigilance Committee
- 18. Duration of appointment of non-official members
- 19. Offences and penalty
- 20. Offences to be cognisable, etc
- 21. Powers of Court
- 22. Maintenance of records
- 23. Power to seize records
- 24. Protection of action taken in good faith
- 25. Exemptions
- 26. Powers to make rules
PDF: pending for this language.