Awareness and attitude about prenatal sex determination and the preconception and prenatal diagnostic techniques act among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Preconception and prenatal diagnostic techniques (PCPNDT) Act 1994, was put into effect and was further amended in 2003 for improving the sex ratio in our country. But even after its introduction, there has been no improvement in the sex ratio. We conducted this study to find out the awareness and attitude of the “end user” – the pregnant patient – towards it and to know whether this Act was really the answer to the problem. Aim: To know the awareness and attitude of the women regarding the PCPNDT Act. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of Dhiraj Hospital, Vadodara which is a tertiary care hospital. A total of 1000 Pregnant women attending the Obstetrics out outpatient department (OPD) during the study period of 3 months were given pre-tested semi-structured multiple-choice questionnaires. Data collected was analysed. Results: A total of 91.2% of women were aware about the PCPNDT Act. 12.7% wanted to know the sex of their child and of those, 12.6% were willing for feticide in case of a female child. None of the nulliparous women wanted sex determination. Total 8.9% women wanted a male child and the main cause was family pressure (67.4%). If sex determination was made legal, 7.3% more women wanted sex determination. 85% women believed that doctor and patient both were liable to be punished if found guilty. Conclusion: There is considerable awareness about PCPNDT Act but the Act has failed to fulfil its purpose as it ignores social pressures. We must raise the status of women in society and change mentality of the people.