First an Indian “gestational carrier” died in childbirth. Now, we learn that a 17-year-old Indian girl is dead after predators in the IVF industry allowed her to be hyper-ovulated for money three times in 18 months, and she was apparently convinced or coerced by her employer to sell her eggs. From the India Express story:
Investigations by officers of the Saki Naka police station revealed that Sushma had been going to ‘Rotunda — The Centre for Human Reproduction’ in Bandra as an egg or oocyte donor, and had visited the hospital in February 2009, October 2009 and possibly February 2010. Hospital records also indicate that Sushma was admitted there on August 8, 2010, at 8.30 am and discharged the same day at 7.30 pm.
The next day, she complained of abdominal pain. On August 10, 2010, Sushma died.
The death was from ”shock,” caused by injury, the specific cause for which appears to have not been determined.
The death, it’s type, her symptoms, and its timing, sure appears related to the egg procurement. Regardless, this tragic story highlights the corruption that in inherent in biological colonialism, mostly funded mostly by rich Westerners. It taints all it touches. The industry looks at the girls as mere ”gestational carriers” or so many egg producers. Family members—or worse, as apparently in this case—may push or coerce the w0men and girls to sell their bodies and parts. Sushma received a total of less than $1500 (75,000 rupees) for three extractions.
India doesn’t regulate IVF legally. That’s a scandal and a half. It should outlaw IVF tourism as Pakistan has done kidney buying. But that would not be enough, given the country’s size and infrastructure difficulties. The time has come for developed nations to outlaw their nationals from participating in the market, just like they outlaw pederasty tourism. Where is the UN? Silent.
