EXPLAINER | Sidhu Moosewala's mother’s IVF journey: Know about Govt’s letter, ART Bill 2021 & IVF treatment

Sidhu Moosewala's mother’s IVF journey: In a recent development to Government’s scrutiny over Sidhu Moosewala's parents newborn documents, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab, has been formally requested to provide a detailed report regarding the IVF treatment undergone by Sidhu Moosewala's mother Charan Singh. This request, originating from the IRCS Building in New Delhi, was issued on March 14, 2024.

The request, addressed to the Principal Secretary/Administrative Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in Punjab, was prompted by concerns raised over the age of Smt. Charan Singh at the time of her IVF treatment. According to a reports Charan Singh reportedly underwent IVF treatment to conceive a child at the age of 58 years.

Also Read: Sidhu Moosewala's parents 'embrace IVF miracle': What is it all about? Read in Detail

This move comes in light of the regulatory framework outlined in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, specifically Section 21(g)(1), which stipulates that the age limit for women undergoing ART services is between 21-50 years.

In a formal communication, S.K Ranjan, Director of the concerned department, emphasized the necessity for the Government of Punjab to investigate the matter thoroughly and provide a comprehensive report detailing the actions taken in accordance with the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021.

EXPLAINED | What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) 

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment that assists couples struggling with conception. This process involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body to create embryos, which are then implanted in the uterus. It is particularly sought after by couples facing challenges such as infertility or difficulty conceiving through traditional methods.

Age Limit for IVF

For women, the upper age limit for IVF treatment is typically around late 40s to early 50s, although some clinics may have lower age limits. Beyond a certain age, the chances of success with IVF decrease significantly, and there may be higher risks of pregnancy complications and genetic abnormalities.

Breakdown of success rates for IVF in India based on age
28 years: 45-55%

31 years: 40-50%

35 years or less: 35-45%

40 years or more: 15-20%

EXPLAINED | Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021

The Act defines ART to include all techniques that seek to obtain a pregnancy by handling the sperm or the oocyte (immature egg cell) outside the human body and transferring the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive system of a woman. These include gamete donation (of sperm or egg), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and gestational surrogacy.

ART services will be provided through: (i) ART clinics, which offer ART related treatments and procedures, and (ii) ART banks, which collect, screen and store gametes.

Also Read: Sidhu Moosewala's father Balkaur Singh requests privacy amid govt scrutiny over newborn's documents

Key provisions of Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill

• It defines ART to encompass various techniques aimed at achieving pregnancy outside the body, including gamete donation, in vitro fertilization, and gestational surrogacy. 
• The Bill states that clinics must offer ART services only to married couples or single women, where the woman is between 21 and 50 years of age, and the man is between 21 and 55 years of age.
• The bill mandates the registration of ART clinics and banks under a national registry, subject to compliance with specified standards. 
• Offences under the ART Bill will be punishable with a fine between five and ten lakh rupees for the first contravention.  For subsequent contraventions, these offences will be punishable with imprisonment between three and eight years, and a fine between 10 and 20 lakh rupees. 
• Consent requirements, insurance coverage for donors, and prohibitions on sex-selective services are established. 
• These provisions aim to ensure ethical conduct and protection of all parties involved in ART procedures.

Notably, Sidhu Moose Wala's parents welcomed a son nearly two years after the Punjabi singer was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa. His father, Balkaur Singh, 60, made the announcement on Instagram and stated that the family is healthy. He also posted a photo with his newborn and a portrait of the singer.

Charan Kaur, the singer's mother, conceived through the In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technique.

(With inputs from agencies)

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