MSWC organises national conference on surrogacy

PUNE: “Surrogacy is a boon to humanity and a great solution for infertility. Infertility not just causes physical but also the serious mental impact on humans as being infertile is unacceptable even in modern society. Every couple deserves a child and if the technology is used legally, surrogacy can be a boon for infertile couples,” said Padmashree Dr Indira Hinduja at the Maharashtra State Women Council’s (MSWC) day-long National Conference on Surrogacy Bill held in the city, on Thursday. 

Dr Hinduja is the nation’s first lady doctor who has done surgery using IVF technology.

During the conference, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairman, MSWC spoke about the recent bill on surrogacy passed in Lok Sabha. She said, “A negative mindset stating India is becoming a surrogacy market was created but as this bill is accepted in the Lok Sabha, it will create a positive impact. The efforts to pass this bill started in the year 2005 but the bill was fast-tracked after 2016 by the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Rahatkar added, “The bill might have been passed in the country’s top tier assembly but the council is promoting the bill to create awareness in the society.”

Dr Hinduja added, “In case of infertility the blame is put on the women more than men. In reality, both men and women may have equal issues and hence, blaming women alone is not morally correct.” Maharashtra State Women Council’s Chairman Vijaya Rahatkar, Gujarat’s Lilaben Ankolia, Goa’s Shubhalakshmi Naik, Haryana’s Pratima Suman, Kalyani Saran of Jharkhand, Thielen Phan Bhow of Meghalaya, Member Secretary of Maharashtra Mahila Kendra, Dr Manjusha Molawane, member Vinda Kirtikar, Devyani Thakre, Gayatai Karad, Asha Landge were amongst the dignitaries present at the occasion. Women from more than 17 states were present for a discussion on this topic.