Illegal egg trafficking network busted in Hyderabad; five fertility centres named

A scam involving the illegal collection of eggs (oocytes) from economically backward women has been exposed in Hyderabad. While the police have registered cases against some agents in this matter, no legal action has been taken so far against the hospitals and fertility centres alleged to be involved in this racket, prompting the Telangana Women's Commission to question the authorities.

According to a report by The Hindu, 43 women were rescued during a simultaneous raid in Hyderabad, after which this exploitation came to light. Women from economically weaker sections were being lured into this racket. Women were being offered amounts between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 for one egg donation cycle. On the other hand, those running this illegal business were earning an average of ₹3 lakh per cycle.

Telangana Women's Commission Chairperson Narela Sharda met with the affected women. During this, she learned that five institutions are likely to be involved in this scam. The names of Indira IVF Centre, Narmada Fertility Centre, Oasis Fertility Centre, Sadguru ART Centre, and Padmaja Fertility Centre have surfaced. Additionally, the victim women have also named an individual named Dr. Hussain in their complaints.

The Women's Commission has expressed serious displeasure regarding this matter. Despite the Commission instructing the concerned authorities to conduct a wide investigation of the hospitals and laboratories, no concrete steps have been taken against any institution so far. Narela Sharda expressed concern that the whereabouts of Dr. Hussain are currently unknown and no case has been registered against him yet.

The Commission has urged senior officials of the health department to immediately start an investigation against the hospitals and IVF centres named by the affected women and to take strict legal action against the responsible persons. The Commission has warned that if there is further delay in registering cases against those involved in these illegal activities related to women's bodily autonomy, dignity, and health, there will be serious consequences.