IVF controversy: Sidhu Moose Wala’s mother case sparks legal debate

The Union Health Ministry has raised concerns over the case of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s parents, who welcomed a baby via In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) despite the mother being 58 years old. According to the Ministry, IVF is permissible only for women aged between 21 to 50 years, prompting questions about the legality of the procedure in this instance.

Sidhu Moose Wala’s parents opted for IVF to conceive their second child almost two years after the tragic loss of their son, who was murdered in Punjab’s Mansa district at the age of 28. The Ministry became aware of the situation through a newspaper article published on February 27, detailing Charan Kaur’s IVF treatment.

A letter issued by the central government asking the Punjab government for a report according to the law on newborn babies with IVF technology in connection with IVF treatment of #SidhuMooseWala's mother. pic.twitter.com/3ma6vRqCoo

— Parteek Singh Mahal (@parteekmahal) March 20, 2024

In response, the Punjab government has been requested to provide a report on Charan Kaur’s IVF treatment. Meanwhile, Sidhu Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh, accused the government of harassment, stating that he was asked to provide documents proving the new child’s legality. Although he did not explicitly mention IVF, Singh affirmed compliance with legal procedures and vowed to provide the necessary documentation.

Citing Section 21(g) of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Health Ministry emphasized the age limit for women undergoing ART services. They urged the Punjab government to investigate the matter and submit a report on the actions taken in accordance with the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021.