KOCHI: The High Court has instructed the Central Government to reconsider the age limit fixed for couples undertaking artificial insemination. The age for the woman is 50 and man is 55.

Justice VG Arun has ordered the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board, which advices central government on artificial insemination, to bring this to the attention of the Central Government in three months.

The single bench verdict comes on the pleas of some couples who are undergoing medical treatment to get a child. The new rule that came on January 25, 2022, had fixed the maximum age limit. As this cannot be followed, many find it impossible to continue with their treatment. This is also against the personal freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, said the plea.

Giving birth to children and raising a family is fundamental right. An age limit will curtail that right. The rule that does not give a concession to those who are undertaking the medical treatment currently is dictatorial and also irrational. The High Court observed that when the rule came into effect many were undergoing treatment.

The age limit of many countries also came for discussion. The High Court has allowed the couples who were undergoing the treatment at the time of the wedding, to continue with their medical treatment.