Amniocentesis is legally used to determine.....
(A) Sex of the foetus
(B) Presence of genetic disorders
(C) Massive child immunization.
(D) Survivability of the fetus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (B) and (D) only.
In amniocentesis, a little of the amniotic fluid around the foetus is taken out, and the foetal cells and substances in it are tested.
(A) Sex of the foetus — Not a legal use. There is a statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex-determination, to check female foeticide.
(B) Presence of genetic disorders — A legal use. It tests for disorders such as Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia.
(C) Massive child immunization. — Not a use of amniocentesis. It is a separate health programme for children, named alongside the ban.
(D) Survivability of the fetus — A legal use. The test helps judge whether the foetus will survive.
NCERT Extract:
Reproductive Health – Problems and Strategies – “… Statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex-determination to legally check increasing menace of female foeticides, massive child immunisation, etc., are some programmes that merit mention in this connection. In aminocentesis some of the amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the fetal cells and dissolved substances. This procedure is used to test for the presence of certain genetic disorders such as, down syndrome, haemoplilia, sickle-cell anemia, etc., determine the survivability of the foetus.”