What is chemical castration? Will it work as a deterrent?

New Delhi, Jan 2: The brutal gang-rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old paramedical student in national capital has left everyone shocked. In order to end rising numbers of rapes, people across the country are demanding strictest of action against rapists. Along with death penalty, chemical castration has also been suggested to punish offenders. But, the question is will chemical castration work as a deterrent to stop rape in India?

What is chemical castration?

Experts say chemical castration is the administration of medication designed to reduce libido and sexual activity. Unlike surgical castration, where the testicles or ovaries are removed through an incision in the body, chemical castration does not actually castrate the person, nor is it a form of sterilization.

"Chemical castration is generally considered reversible when treatment is discontinued, although permanent effects in body chemistry can sometimes be seen, " says a medical expert.

Chemical castration has, from time to time, been used as an instrument of public and/or judicial policy despite concerns over human rights and possible side effects.

Countries which uses chemical castration

It has been in vogue since the 1950s. America uses it and so do Israel, Argentina and several countries in Europe. Russia and South Korea approved the law in favour of chemical castration in 2011.

The first use of chemical castration occurred in 1944, when diethylstilbestrol was used with the purpose of lowering men's testosterone.

Chemical castration in India

After the outrage followed by a gang-rape of a paramedical student in New Delhi, the Government has submitted a draft proposing chemical castration along with an imprisonment of up to 30 years for rape convicts as part of the anti-rape law in India. The ministry is preparing a detailed bill and the recommended changes are under review.

OneIndia News