17-year-old girl's ovum extracted in Lalitpur after 50,000 rupee lure

A 17-year-old girl in Lalitpur underwent ovum extraction after being offered 50,000 rupees, in a case that mirrors a previous ovum trafficking incident. This earlier episode, which occurred during Sushila Karki's tenure as prime minister, was reportedly not prosecuted. Then-Attorney General Sabita Bhandari allegedly decided against pursuing the case, despite her own investment in the Hope Fertility and Research Centre, the facility where the procedure took place.

The current case has brought renewed attention to the issue of ovum trafficking, raising concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young women. The previous case, which was "quietly buried," according to reports, suggests a pattern of inadequate oversight or protection for victims.

The involvement of a fertility center with potential conflicts of interest in the past case raises questions about the regulatory environment and enforcement mechanisms designed to prevent such exploitation. The lack of prosecution in the earlier incident, despite alleged injury to the victim, has fueled criticism and calls for greater accountability.