Teenage girls exploited in illegal ovum trade disguised as fertility help; legal action faces challenges

 Kathmandu, July 15 — Authorities have uncovered a disturbing case in Kathmandu where underage girls were lured with money and used for illegal ovum (egg cell) extraction, under the false promise of helping childless couples.

An investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau found that girls under 18 were offered small sums—around Rs 15,000 to Rs 16,000—to donate their ovum. Middlemen bringing the girls in were paid up to Rs 35,000.

“These clinics claimed they were helping infertile couples, but behind the scenes, they were harvesting egg cells from teenage girls for profit,” said CIB Director Chandra Kuber Khapung.

Police arrested five people linked to Hope Fertility and Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd. in Kathmandu. However, legal proceedings became complicated. Since ovum is considered cells and not organs under Nepali law, the case didn’t fall under organ trafficking. It was initially handled by the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau but later transferred to the CIB.

“Because the victims were minors, we decided to proceed under the Children’s Act,” said Khapung. But the court allowed the suspects to remain out of custody during the investigation, releasing them on bail. They are required to report regularly to authorities.

According to police, the girls were given hormone injections for 9–10 days to stimulate egg production. Minor surgery was then performed to extract the ova.

While ovum donation by informed adult women is legal, using minors under false promises is a serious violation. Officials also pointed out that while Nepal has some legal guidelines on sperm donation, there are currently no clear laws regulating ovum donation, making prosecution even more difficult. The investigation is ongoing.

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