Maharashtra reels from a gruesome illegal egg donation syndicate in Badlapur, prompting the National Commission for Women to intervene decisively. The NCW’s suo motu action mandates state authorities to probe deeply and support shattered lives.
A February 21 report ignited the response, leading the NCW head to alert the DGP for swift network dismantling, victim rehabilitation via medical and mental health services, and a five-day ATR submission. Parallely, the state women’s panel reviewed the crisis with key stakeholders.
It unraveled from one woman’s grievance over missing payment post-procedure. Delving deeper, police found economic desperation weaponized against many, with lures of Rs 25,000-30,000 leading to unsafe hormone regimens at private sites and extractions across IVF centers.
Over 40 victims identified, including a woman from whom eggs were harvested 33 times—defying the ART Act 2021’s safeguards against repeat and paid donations. Such excesses threaten fertility, endocrine health, and more, per specialists.
Arrests include four females and one male, notably prime suspect Sulakshana Gadekar. The dragnet widens for accomplices and rogue facilities. This outrage calls for legislative teeth and vigilant monitoring to end the commodification of women’s bodies in fertility markets.