Mandatory Pregnancy Registration in Haryana: What Doctors Need to Know

The Haryana Government has recently issued a new directive requiring pregnant women to register with local ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) before availing of free ultrasound services. While the intention behind this move is positive, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana Chapter, has raised several ethical, legal, and practical concerns.

Why the Order Was Introduced

The government aims to:

Track pregnancies early.
Prevent pregnancy loss, which happens in about 10–15% of cases by the 12th week.
Actively monitor female foeticide.
Ensure proper use of ultrasound facilities.
Improve maternal health outcomes.

The IMA supports the intent, recognizing that better monitoring can lead to a higher sex ratio and lower maternal mortality rates.

Ethical and Privacy Concerns Raised by IMA

Despite supporting the goal, the IMA considers the order incomplete and highlights key concerns:

1. Privacy of Pregnant Women

Some women may have unplanned or unwanted pregnancies or may be unmarried.
These women might hesitate to report their condition to the local ANM, fearing social stigma or privacy loss.
This could push them toward unsafe practices or quack doctors, risking their health.

2. Access Issues in Urban Areas

Locating the right ANM is difficult in cities.
ANMs might be unavailable due to leave or unresponsive phones.
RCH (Reproductive Child Health) registration is not available 24×7.

3. Delays in Emergency Situations

In emergencies like bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, or threatened abortion, time is critical.
Forcing patients to register first can delay life-saving diagnosis and treatment.

4. Power Imbalance and Malpractice Risks

Giving registration power only to ANMs might lead to bias or misuse, such as pushing patients to specific ultrasound centers.

Legal Conflicts with Existing Laws

The IMA points out that:

This order could conflict with the PNDT Act, which regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques and would require Central Government changes to be valid.
It contradicts the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act, which protects a woman’s reproductive rights and confidentiality.
Forcing women to disclose their identity to ANMs could violate the confidentiality clause in the MTP Act.

Suggested Improvements by IMA

To make the policy more effective and acceptable, the IMA has proposed the following:

Allow treating doctors to access and update the RCH portal for pregnancy registration.
Make registration mandatory only after 10 weeks, as sex determination usually occurs between 14-16 weeks.
Clearly outline how to handle emergency cases, ensuring no delays in treatment.
Ensure registration guidelines do not override women’s legal rights under existing laws.

Final Thoughts

The Haryana Government’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and stop female foeticide are commendable. However, such policies must be implemented with careful planning, legal backing, and respect for women’s rights and privacy. With the right changes, this initiative could be a major step toward improving maternal healthcare in India.

📢 Call to Action for Doctors:

Are you a practicing doctor in Haryana? Stay informed, share your feedback, and get involved in shaping better healthcare policies. Let’s work together to ensure ethical, safe, and effective implementation of pregnancy monitoring initiatives.

To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur