Gujarat seals 974 sonography machines in two years over illegal sex determination

Despite years of campaigns promoting women’s empowerment and the “Beti Bachao” message, illegal prenatal sex determination continues to surface across Gujarat, exposing persistent gender bias and weaknesses in enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

Government data shows that authorities sealed 974 sonography machines across the state over the last two years in connection with illegal sex determination cases. The figures have raised concerns about the continued prevalence of female foeticide despite stricter laws and repeated awareness campaigns.

The issue recently came into focus after an incident at Surat’s Mamta Maternity Hospital highlighted alleged loopholes in the implementation of the PCPNDT Act, which prohibits disclosure of a foetus’s sex before birth.

Sting operations and inspections uncover violations

According to official data, the state government conducted 75 sting operations to expose illegal prenatal sex determination rackets. Authorities also carried out inspections at hospitals suspected of violating the law and took action against facilities where allegations were found to be true.

During 2024–25, several operations reportedly exposed doctors involved in illegal sex determination practices. In the current financial year 2025–26, officials said multiple complaints had already been received, leading to the sealing of 72 sonography machines during inspections.

Over the last two years, nearly 20 court cases have also been registered in connection with such offences.

Son preference continues across social groups

The cases have once again drawn attention to the deep-rooted social preference for sons that continues across sections of society, including among educated and financially stable families.

While women are often celebrated symbolically in cultural and religious traditions, the continued demand for illegal sex determination reflects a contradiction between public messaging and social attitudes. The belief that sons alone carry forward the family lineage has long been identified as one of the factors driving female foeticide and related illegal medical practices.

Questions raised over fear of law

Although the Health Department maintains that monitoring and enforcement are being carried out strictly, the repeated exposure of such cases has raised questions about the effectiveness of deterrence under the PCPNDT Act.

The scale of enforcement action has also prompted scrutiny over how hospitals and medical practitioners continue to engage in such activities despite existing legal provisions and repeated crackdowns.

Officials have not indicated how many suspected cases may still remain undetected, but the continuing discovery of violations during inspections and sting operations suggests that illegal prenatal sex determination remains an ongoing concern in parts of the state.