The National Commission for Women (NCW) has initiated action after a media report exposed an illicit scheme involving the extraction and sale of eggs from financially vulnerable women in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The Commission expressed concern over the organized exploitation of women through multiple commercial egg donations, violating the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. Reports suggest that economically disadvantaged women were coerced into undergoing numerous egg extraction procedures for financial gain.
Under the Act, egg donation is strictly limited to once in a lifetime, with any financial incentives or commercialization prohibited. Police investigations suggest that around 40 women may have been impacted by this scheme, with one victim reportedly subjected to 33 egg extraction procedures, raising serious health and ethical concerns. The NCW strongly criticized the exploitation, emphasizing the risks to women’s health, dignity, autonomy, and legal rights.
The Commission condemned the exploitation as organized and detrimental, urging a comprehensive investigation by the Maharashtra Director General of Police. Efforts are underway to identify all parties involved in the racket, including clinics, medical professionals, and intermediaries facilitating or benefiting from the illegal activities. Authorities have been directed to provide affected women with essential medical care, counseling, and protection.
NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma has called for a prompt and impartial inquiry into the matter, with the Maharashtra DGP instructed to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within five days. The focus remains on dismantling the entire network behind the illicit operations and ensuring the well-being of the victims.
