Awareness and attitudes about prenatal sex determination among pregnant mothers and their perceptions regarding Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act

Abstract

Background: Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was introduced in India to provide a legal framework to support prevention of fetal foeticide and maintains a healthy sex ratio. Even after implementation of the act, illegal testing and abortions are reported. Awareness and attitudes of pregnant women will give an insight into this problem. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study the level of awareness and attitudes among pregnant mothers at Goa Medical College toward pre-natal sex determination and female foeticide, and to study the perceptions among them regarding the PCPNDT ACT. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 consecutive pregnant women admitted from June 1 to August 31, 2019, in the antenatal wards of the Department of OBG at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa. Results: Two-thirds (76%) of the pregnant mothers were aware of the PCPNDT Act and majority (83%) were aware that prenatal sex determination is an offence. The majority (81%) of the mothers had no specific expectations regarding the sex of the child, whereas 8% preferred having a male child and 11% preferred a female child. The most common reason for male child preference was found to be pressure from other family members. Conclusion: The majority of the pregnant mothers from Goa were aware of the PCPNDT Act and most of them do not have a specific preference for male child.