Why govt's attempt to ban life-saving hormone Oxytocin was unscientific

The government relied mostly on unsubstantiated media reports, though scientists published several reports disproving alleged adverse effects of the life-saving hormone

In a 100-page judgement delivered this month, the Delhi high court categorically quashed the Centre’s attempts to restrict the sale of the life-saving hormone – oxytocin.

The judgment has embarrassingly laid bare the government’s unscientific approach, even on matters which can result in the loss of human life. Oxytocin is key to saving the lives of women during pregnancies as it prevents excessive bleeding.

With 130 women dying per 100,000 live births, India undoubtedly struggles with an unacceptably high maternal morality rate.

The court order called the government’s moves “unscientific,” and also spoke at length about how it imperiled the