Haryana Steps Up Crackdown on Illegal Abortions, Sees Improvement in Sex Ratio

Chandigarh, July 9, 2025 – Haryana’s health authorities have intensified their campaign against illegal abortion practices, reporting significant progress in both enforcement and improvements to the state’s sex ratio. The initiative, conducted under the flagship ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign, has introduced a comprehensive tracking system for abortions performed up to 24 weeks, aiming to identify and penalize illicit procedures.

The state’s additional chief secretary for health has mandated reverse tracking of abortion cases, ensuring that all procedures are scrutinized for compliance with legal and ethical standards. This move is part of broader efforts to address gender imbalance and protect the rights of unborn girls.

Key aspects of the campaign include:

• Strict action against medical practitioners found to be conducting illegal abortions, with ongoing investigations and penalties for violators.

• Enhanced coordination with ASHA and anganwadi workers to boost birth registrations, particularly in underserved and underprivileged areas.

• Regulation of IVF centres and a focused crackdown on unauthorized Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) operations across Haryana.

Officials report that these measures have already led to an increase in birth registrations and a noticeable improvement in the sex ratio, marking a positive shift in the state’s demographic trends.

“Crucial collaborations with grassroots health workers are ensuring that every birth is registered and monitored, helping us target regions most in need of intervention,” a senior health official stated.

The campaign reflects Haryana’s commitment to upholding the law and promoting gender equality, while also seeking to deter unethical medical practices that contribute to gender-based discrimination.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by Devdiscourse and other agencies as of July 9, 2025. The situation and data may evolve, and readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest updates and legal guidance regarding abortion laws and health regulations in Haryana.