Amniocentesis is banned due to.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Amniocentesis**: Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used during pregnancy to extract amniotic fluid surrounding the developing embryo. This fluid contains cells that can provide important information about the health of the fetus.

2. **Purpose of Amniocentesis**: The primary purpose of this procedure is to detect genetic disorders and other abnormalities in the developing fetus. It can help in identifying conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other genetic disorders.

3. **Illegal Use for Sex Determination**: In some countries, including India, amniocentesis has been misused for sex determination of the fetus. This practice is illegal because it can lead to sex-selective abortions, particularly favoring male over female fetuses.

4. **Cultural Context**: In many cultures, there is a preference for male children, which has led to a significant gender imbalance. The ability to determine the sex of the fetus through amniocentesis has contributed to this issue.

5. **Legal Action**: To combat the misuse of amniocentesis for sex determination, the Indian government banned the procedure for this purpose in 1972. The ban aims to prevent female foeticide and promote gender equality.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, amniocentesis is banned due to its illegal use for sex determination, which can lead to female foeticide and societal imbalances.

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