Pokhara, 21 July: The problem of infertility has emerged as a significant global challenge, including in Nepal. Medical professionals indicate that factors such as poor nutrition, unhealthy lifestyles, and delayed marriages are contributing to a rising incidence of infertility among couples. Approximately 15 percent of couples worldwide are affected by this issue, with many turning to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) technology to achieve parenthood. However, a disturbing trend has emerged where IVF clinics are reportedly engaging in the illegal trade of human eggs, raising serious ethical and legal questions.
Recently, a concerning incident came to light involving Hope Fertility and Diagnostic Clinic in Babarmahal and Angel Fertility Clinic in Maharajganj, Kathmandu. It was revealed that these clinics allegedly collected eggs from two underage girls, both under 18, and sold them to clients for up to NPR 1.8 million. According to the police, the girls were subjected to a highly risky procedure, involving daily injections for 10 days to extract the eggs. They were reportedly paid a mere NPR 10,000 to 15,000, while the recipients were charged between NPR 1.8 million and 2 million.
Following the incident, Dr. Swasti Sharma and Dr. Malini Chaudhary, the clinic operators, along with five others, were taken into custody by the Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for questioning. Although they have since been released, the investigation remains ongoing due to the serious nature of the case, as stated by CIB Spokesperson Yuvraj Khadka. The police are currently investigating the matter under the Children’s Act 2075, citing the lack of clear laws regarding the trade of human eggs. Health experts contend that this incident casts a shadow over artificial insemination, sperm and egg collection, and storage practices within Nepal’s IVF service providers. They emphasize that while IVF services are a modern necessity, the absence of clear laws and standards has led to such illicit activities. Rights activists have demanded a thorough investigation into the grave exploitation of young girls’ health and urged strict punishment for those responsible.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population, there are 25 registered IVF centers nationwide, with 16 in the Kathmandu Valley and 9 outside. An additional 10 to 12 centers have applied for operating licenses, and the ministry has urged unregistered centers to comply with the registration process, informed Bhakta Bahadur KC, Information Officer at the ministry. KC also stated that monitoring and regulation of unregistered centers operating without proper standards are underway. Furthermore, the ministry has formed a committee to investigate the Hope Fertility case that recently came to light.
The Public Health Regulations 2077, Section 7, Sub-section 24, outline standards for specialized services like test-tube babies or IVF. However, there is no mention of sperm or egg donation. Dr. Kirtipal Subedi, an obstetrician and gynecologist, explained that while there are somewhat relaxed provisions for sperm donation, the law remains silent on female egg donation. He believes that given the increasing number of women facing egg deficiencies prematurely or experiencing difficulties conceiving due to delayed marriages, legislation regarding egg donation is crucial. Dr. Subedi cited examples from developed countries where married women over 21, with at least one or two children, can donate eggs through mutual consent. He stressed that establishing clear policies and standards for egg donation in Nepal would not only curb illegal trade but also provide a ray of hope for infertile couples. He acknowledged that the egg retrieval process is inherently risky, and the use of instruments on the delicate reproductive organs of young, sexually inexperienced girls could lead to severe injury and hemorrhage, underscoring the critical need for stringent regulation.
