MFCM049: A Study on Outcome of Pregnancy Among Women Exposed to the Toxic Gas in Bhopal.pdf

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extracted text: ©
June 11/ 1985

A

STUDY ON
EXPOSED

OUTCOME
TO THE

OF PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN
TOXIC GAS IN BHOPAL

In the second half of March, 1985, the Medico Friend Circle
(MFC), an All India group of health workers, conducted a
study on the continued effects of the toxic gas in two bastis

of Bhopal.

An important finding of the study

was that most

of the affected population is still suffering from symptoms

of cyanide-like poisoning, indicating the persistence of
biochemical changes which have occurred due to inhalation
of toxic gas. This could also indicate a certain degree
of risk to the foetus in women who were, pregnant at the time

of the gas leak and those who became pregnant following the
incident. Discussions with the women and dais from the bastis

suggest a strong possibility that the gas could have had an
effecta There has been an increase in the number of still
births and spontaneous abortions since the disaster. The
medical establishment of Bhopal has however denied all such

■reports and although an epidemiological study on pregnancy

outcome is being undertaken by ICMR at Bhopal, we are not
sure if the information will be made available at all in time
so that a scientifically rational advice can be given to

women on their future pregnancies.

Further, this could also

have a bearing on the possibility of births of congenitally

deformed babies in the affected population. If life—long
compensation is to be sought for such children it would be
essential that we have authentic evidence to support these
claims .
Keeping all this in mind, MFC is planning to undertake an

independent study to assess the effect of the toxic gas on
pregnant women in Bhopal. We are writing to you to find out
if anyone from your group would be interested in participating
in thi s s tudy.

/2

1
2
Dates

7 to 14 July, 1985 (both days
inclusive).

Population to be covered:

6000 affected population
6000 control population
(Total population to be
covered- = 12000) •

Volunteers required

40 women volunteers who have
some experience in conducting a

survey.

Knowledge of Hindi is

essential•
Expenses

Boarding, lodging and transport
within Bhopal will be covered by
MFC. If travel expenses cannot be
met by the volunteers, then MFC will
cover that also.
Donations and contributions are very

much welcome as we are working on a
shoe-string budget.
Correspondence to be
addressed to

DR. C. SATHYAMALA
C-152, MIG FLATS
SAKET, NEW DELHI-110 017.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please
write to us immediately (preferably send a telegram as time
is short) by the June 23 *85 and let us know how many members
would be available from the group.

With best wishes,

SATHY. .ALA

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