Telangana Women’s Commission issues notices to eight ART centres in illegal oocyte racket case

The Telangana State Women’s Commission (TGSCW) has initiated an inquiry into an alleged illegal oocyte donation racket in Hyderabad, issuing notices to eight Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centres and egg banks over suspected irregularities in their donor records and procurement practices.

The Commission examined representatives of the eight institutions on Friday, November 13, after directing their managements to appear before it. However, TGSCW Chairperson Nerella Sharada expressed dissatisfaction after some centres sent staff members and other representatives instead of senior management, despite being specifically instructed to attend in person.

The inquiry was subsequently adjourned after the institutions assured the Commission that their management would appear at the next hearing. During Friday’s proceedings, the Commission scrutinised reports, records and details of egg donors submitted by the ART centres and egg banks.

“Several irregularities and suspicious elements have emerged from the records examined so far,” said Ms. Sharada. She also questioned claims made by the institutions that nearly 90% of their egg donors came from other States and donated their eggs voluntarily without receiving any remuneration or financial compensation.

She said the claims raised several questions and warranted further investigation. Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Sangeetha Satyanarayana, also attended the inquiry, during which Ms. Sharada sought details about the progress of the department’s investigation into the alleged illegal egg procurement practices.

The discussions also covered shortcomings in the existing Assisted Reproductive Technology Act and its implementation, particularly the challenges in regulating and monitoring ART centres and egg banks. Ms. Sharada said she would soon meet Health Minister C.

Damodar Raja Narasimha and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to inform them of the findings and discuss corrective measures, including possible legislative amendments to strengthen regulation of the sector. Ms. Sharada further said that the Commission has also received information indicating the possible involvement of several other ART centres and egg banks in the alleged racket.

It plans to issue notices to their management and summon them for questioning as part of the ongoing inquiry. “The Commission will not tolerate illegal practices that compromise women’s health, dignity and rights. We will continue the investigation in coordination with the concerned government departments to identify those responsible and ensure appropriate legal action,” she added.