The Union Health Ministry has asked the Punjab Government to provide a report on the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment undergone by late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s 58-year-old mother, Charan Kaur, indicating it to be the violation of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, which sets an age limit of 21-50 years for women availing ART services.
The Ministry’s directive aligns with Section 21 of the ART (Regulations) Act, 2021, outlining the duties of ART clinics and banks, which include performing procedures on individuals within specified age ranges.
S K Ranjan, Director, Union Health Ministry’s direction comes days after Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, welcomed a baby boy that has sparked discussions around late-age pregnancy and associated risks. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Balkaur Singh expressed his distress over the inquiry, asserting his readiness to provide all necessary legal documents.
Responding to the situation, the AAP Punjab unit shifted responsibility to the central government, highlighting CM Bhagwant Mann’s respect for Punjabi sentiments and urging people to rely on factual information.