Women's groups oppose mandatory registration of pregnancies

New Delhi July 14 (UNI) Criticising the Centre's proposal to make pregnancy registration mandatory, women activists today said the law could lead to interference in a woman's private life and forced control.

''We appeal to the government not to come up with these intrusive and draconian laws, which may lead to suppression of a woman's right over her own body,'' said Dr Ranjana Kumari, president of WomenPowerConnect, a coalition of 400 women groups and individuals.

She said female foeticide cannot be controlled by registering pregnancies or abortions, as a change in social mindset is the only solution.

''The government law enforcement agencies should also make sure that the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act is implemented,'' she added.

India registers an estimated highest number of maternal deaths in the world, Dr Ranjana Kumari said.

According to UNICEF, the maternal mortality ratio is 540 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, rising to 619 in rural areas. One in five women dies during childbirth and such deaths account for more than 20 per cent of global maternal deaths.

She said women's groups feel that pregnancy monitoring would not ensure a fall in Maternal Mortality Rate since there is no dearth of policies and programmes.

''The problem of unsafe motherhood should not be seen only as the result of poor healthcare provisions but also as people's perception of women's value in social as well as economic terms,'' she added.

The way ahead should be characterised by dual focus on women empowerment and improved healthcare access and delivery, she observed.

''We must ensure choices for women, empowering them as equal decision makers in their decision to opt for motherhood,'' she added.

UNI