PCPNDT Act -Forensic Medicine
Upgraded Version • Dr. P. Ravi Kiran,
Intern
2.
Why PCPNDT ActWas Created
• • To stop female foeticide
• • To control misuse of ultrasound
• • To regulate genetic & prenatal diagnostic
techniques
• • To prevent sex selection (before & after
conception)
3.
Key Amendments (2003)
•• Brought ultrasound clinics under the Act
• • Stricter reporting → Mandatory Form F
• • Ban on advertising sex determination
• • Increased penalties & legal action on
violators
4.
Important Definitions
• •Genetic Clinic: Place performing USG
• • Genetic Lab: Performs tests on samples
• • Sex Selection: Choosing fetus based on sex
• • Pre natal Diagnosis: Detection of
‑
abnormalities only
5.
Allowed Uses ofPrenatal
Diagnostics
• Allowed ONLY for detection of:
• • Chromosomal abnormalities
• • Metabolic disorders
• • Hemoglobinopathies
• • Sex-linked disorders
• • Congenital malformations
• • Genetic diseases in family history
6.
Conditions When Testingis
Allowed
• • Pregnant woman >35 years
• • ≥2 spontaneous abortions
• • Previous child with genetic disorder
• • Exposure to teratogens / radiation
• • Family history of inherited diseases
7.
Strictly Prohibited Activities
•• Sex determination by any method
• • Communicating sex of fetus to anyone
• • Advertising sex selection services
• • Not maintaining Form F
• • Unregistered use of ultrasound machines
8.
Registration Rules forClinics
• • Every USG machine must be registered
• • Display board: “Sex determination is illegal”
• • Monthly reporting to appropriate authority
• • Maintain Form F records for 2 years
9.
Penalties (Most ImportantFor
Exams)
• First Offence:
• • 3 years imprisonment
• • ₹10,000 fine
• Subsequent Offences:
• • 5 years imprisonment
• • ₹50,000 or more fine
• • MCI can suspend/cancel medical license
10.
Role of Doctor(FMT View)
• • Maintain complete, accurate Form F
• • Ensure USG is NOT misused
• • Proper documentation for legal defense
• • Mandatory cooperation with authorities
• • Expert witness in court when required
11.
Most High YieldMCQs
‑
• • Act enacted: 1994; amended: 2003
• • Mandatory record: Form F
• • Sex determination → 3 yrs jail + ₹10,000 fine
• • Who enforces Act? → Appropriate Authority
• • Ultrasound clinic must display notice
• • Records kept for: 2 years
