A Comprehensive Study on the Socio-Legal Impact of the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act in India

Indian society has struggled with female feticide for decades, and the misuse of contemporary prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex-selected abortions has encouraged it. Therefore, the current study aimed to study the Socio-Legal Impact of the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act in India. The study employed primary and secondary data, where primary data was gathered from 385 respondents (females and their family members) from India, who were randomly selected from the targeted population. The responses have been collected through a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the implementation of the PCPNDT Act has significantly reduced the prevalence of sex-selective practices in India, along with the improved accessibility and utilization of prenatal care services among women. A significant relationship has also been found between public awareness and perception of the PCPNDT Act’s provisions and societal attitudes toward gender equality and responsible reproductive health practices. It has been concluded that there is no denying that the act has somehow improved the condition in comparison to past times, however, still, there are some loopholes that need to be addressed for a better future. The study implied that effective enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and addressing underlying societal norms remain essential to ensure gender equality.