Haryana Makes Mandatory Third Month Registration for Pregnant Women Amid Declining Sex Ratio

Haryana's Health Department has issued orders making it mandatory for pregnant women to register their pregnancies in the third month. This decision comes as the state's sex ratio at birth (SRB) has fallen to 910 girls per 1,000 boys in 2024, the lowest since 2016. Health officials who fail to ensure registration will face show-cause notices, demonstrating the government's serious approach to this issue. 

Health Minister Aarti Rao has emphasized the importance of early pregnancy registration as a crucial strategy to prevent female feticide and ensure proper maternal care. The registration system aims to monitor pregnancies from an early stage, particularly during the critical first trimester when most gender determination tests and subsequent illegal terminations typically occur. 

Comprehensive Monitoring System 

Director General of Health Services Manish Bansal has highlighted that antenatal care (ANC) registration, which should be 100% in the first trimester, currently ranges between 50-80% across districts. The new policy establishes a three-tier responsibility system involving medical officers, MPHWs, and ASHA workers. Ultrasound centers conducting examinations without proper registration will also face notices.

Alarming Statistics 

The latest data reveals concerning trends in Haryana's gender demographics. In 2024, out of 516,402 births, there were 270,354 boys (52.35%) compared to 246,048 girls (47.64%), showing a deficit of 24,306 girls. This alarming gap has led the government to take strict actions and enforcement measures.