In Beed district of Maharashtra, 50 per cent of the women have been reported for hysterectomies. These women are as young as 25. The majorities of these women are cane cutters and migrate to the sugar belt of western Maharashtra during the cane cutting season; with the drought intensifying, the number of migrants multiplies. The contractor is keen to have women without wombs in his group of cane cutters, as they incur financial loses when any of the labourer goes for maternity leave. Moreover, menstruating women demand rest and toilets facilities. However, it is an unofficial dictum and contractors say that women are doing it voluntarily. It has also been observed that the child sex ratio in this district is an abysmal 807. For hysterectomies and abortion, the numbers of illegal clinics continue to proliferate in the district. Identify the ethical issues in above situation. As a DM magistrate of the concerned district, identify the course of action. What innovative steps you will take to solve this problem? 10 marks

In the introduction briefly explain the case study.
The question is an ethical case study that involves identification of the stakeholders and ethical issues thus involved. Discuss what the issue is and what the causative factors of it are. Identify the ethical angles in the case study. Discuss the course of action you would take as the DM of the district. Suggest innovative steps to address the problem.
Conclude with solutions.