Govt strengthens reverse tracking of abortions, 43 FIRs filed

The government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal abortions by tightening the reverse tracking system of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) cases. At a weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) on improving the sex ratio held today, officials were directed to act strictly against violators, including cancellation of doctors’ licences in proven cases.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sudhir Rajpal said all abortion cases beyond 12 weeks were being closely monitored, especially those involving women who already have one or more daughters. “A total of 43 FIRs have been registered in reverse tracking cases, while three more are under process. In addition, 38 private hospitals and clinics have been issued notices over suspected illegal abortion practices,” Rajpal said.

The state is now preparing to launch reverse tracking of another 1,182 MTP cases beyond 12 weeks.

In a recent operation, health officials in Sonepat arrested a quack from Narela for allegedly supplying MTP kits illegally. Police officers informed the task force that they were working in close coordination with health teams to track down those involved in illegal abortions and sex determination.

“Phone records and location histories of accused persons are being examined to dismantle the entire network engaged in such practices,” police officials said during the meeting.

Rajpal directed that Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in every district must be provided legal support and closer coordination with the police to ensure effective prosecution of cases. “We must ensure these cases reach their logical conclusion in the courts, and convictions are secured. Adequate staffing and legal manpower should be made available to CMOs to handle these cases effectively,” he said.

The task force also discussed accountability of SAHELIS (community health workers) linked to pregnant women in cases where abortions of female foetuses have taken place. “Officials must ascertain whether the aborted child was female and take strict action in case of illegality,” Rajpal directed.

The STF stressed that only a combination of legal backing, strong enforcement, and effective coordination between health and police departments can eliminate the deep-rooted nexus of sex determination and illegal abortion in Haryana.

“Stringent measures are the only way forward if we are to protect the girl child and improve the sex ratio in the state,” Rajpal said.