Question

(a) Abbreviations used for the different modes of assisted reproductive technology are given below. Expand the abbreviations:
(i) ZIFT (ii) ICSI (iii) IUT (iv) GIFT
(b) Why is there a statutory ban on Amniocentesis? Give at least two reasons.

Hint:

Assisted reproductive technologies help infertile couples. However, prenatal diagnostic techniques like amniocentesis should be ethically regulated.

Answer 1

(a) (i) ZIFT – Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer
(ii) ICSI – Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
(iii) IUT – Intra Uterine Transfer
(iv) GIFT – Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer
(b) Amniocentesis is banned due to the following reasons:
1. It is often misused for sex determination, leading to female foeticide.
2. It promotes social bias and imbalance in the sex ratio, especially in certain regions.