A high court in Bangladesh has issued a ruling banning the disclosure of the sex of an unborn child during pregnancy. The decision is part of broader efforts to prevent gender-biased practices and protect women from social pressure linked to fetal sex selection.

The court directed healthcare providers and diagnostic centers to strictly avoid revealing the sex of the fetus to expectant parents. Authorities emphasized that violations of this rule could lead to legal consequences, including penalties for medical professionals involved in such practices.

This measure comes in response to ongoing concerns about gender imbalance and the potential misuse of prenatal technologies. While such technologies are essential for monitoring fetal health, they can also be used in ways that reinforce harmful social norms, particularly in contexts where a preference for male children persists.

By enforcing this ban, the court aims to promote gender equality and reduce discrimination before birth. Experts note that similar regulations exist in several countries facing comparable challenges, where limiting access to fetal sex information is seen as a preventive strategy against sex-selective practices.

At the same time, the ruling raises important discussions about reproductive rights, medical ethics, and the balance between regulation and access to information. Ensuring that such policies are implemented fairly and without restricting access to essential healthcare services remains a key concern.

Source: Original article (in English)