UPSC-CMS 2014 — Forensic Medicine
2 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
A G6 P5 L5 with 4 1/2 MA comes to you requesting a medical termination of pregnancy after sex determination. Then,
Beta oxalyl amino alanine (BOAA) is found in:
UPSC-CMS 2014 - Forensic Medicine UPSC-CMS Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A G6 P5 L5 with 4 1/2 MA comes to you requesting a medical termination of pregnancy after sex determination. Then,
- A. you will do the termination because continuation of pregnancy will affect the mental health of the patient and it is a clause in the M.T.P. Act.
- B. you will consult another medical practitioner because it is a mid-trimester pregnancy.
- C. you will not do it, as it is against the law. (Correct Answer)
- D. you will do both (a) and (b) above.
Explanation: **you will not do it, as it is against the law.** - **Sex determination** followed by an MTP based on fetal sex is **illegal** under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, in India. - Performing such an abortion is an **ethical violation** and carries severe legal penalties for the medical practitioner. *you will do the termination because continuation of pregnancy will affect the mental health of the patient and it is a clause in the M.T.P. Act.* - While mental health is a valid ground for MTP under the M.T.P. Act, 1971, this clause cannot be invoked when the primary reason is **illegal sex determination**. - The M.T.P. Act exists to protect women's health, but it does not supersede the **PCPNDT Act**, which strictly prohibits sex-selective abortions. *you will consult another medical practitioner because it is a mid-trimester pregnancy.* - Consulting another medical practitioner is required for MTPs beyond 12 weeks according to the M.T.P. Act. - However, this procedural requirement does not make the underlying *reason* for the termination (due to **illegal sex determination**) permissible. *you will do both (a) and (b) above.* - This option incorrectly combines an illegal act (MTP after sex determination) with a procedural step (consulting another practitioner). - The foundational issue remains the **illegality** of the reason for termination, rendering both (a) and (b) inappropriate in this context.
Question 2: Beta oxalyl amino alanine (BOAA) is found in:
- A. Argemone mexicana
- B. Crotalaria medicaginea
- C. Aspergillus flavus
- D. Lathyrus sativus (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Lathyrus sativus*** - **Lathyrus sativus**, also known as **grass pea**, is a legume that contains the neurotoxin **beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (BOAA)**. - Consumption of **Lathyrus sativus** in large quantities over a prolonged period can lead to **lathyrism**, a neurological disorder causing paralysis. *Argemone mexicana* - **Argemone mexicana**, or **prickly poppy**, contains **sanguinarine** and **dihydrosanguinarine** alkaloids, which can cause **epidemic dropsy**. - Its oil is sometimes used as an adulterant in mustard oil, leading to symptoms like **edema** and **cardiac issues**. *Crotalaria medicaginea* - Species of **Crotalaria** (e.g., Crotalaria retusa, Crotalaria medicaginea) are known to contain **pyrrolizidine alkaloids**, which can be **hepatotoxic** and **pneumotoxic**. - Consumption can lead to **liver damage** and **pulmonary hypertension** in livestock and humans. *Aspergillus flavus* - **Aspergillus flavus** is a fungus that produces **aflatoxins**, potent **carcinogens** and **hepatotoxins**. - Aflatoxins are often found in contaminated food products like peanuts, corn, and tree nuts, causing **liver cancer** and **immunosuppression**.