Politics · India Bureau
Goa Assembly removes 'leprosy' terminology from child welfare law
Goa's legislative assembly has passed a bill replacing references to 'leprosy' with 'Hansen's disease' in its child protection statute. The move aims to reduce social stigma and align with Supreme Court directives on inclusive healthcare for vulnerable populations.
LSN India ·
The Goa Assembly has approved legislative amendments to remove stigmatizing terminology from its child welfare legislation, replacing 'leprosy' with the medically accepted term 'Hansen's disease.' The bill represents a significant step toward destigmatizing a treatable infectious condition that has long carried social prejudice in India.
The legislative change follows directives from India's Supreme Court emphasizing the need for inclusive language and equitable healthcare access for marginalized populations. By modernizing statutory language, the state aims to encourage affected individuals, particularly children, to seek medical treatment without fear of social ostracization.
Hansen's disease, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, remains a public health concern in parts of India despite being curable through multidrug therapy. Medical and public health experts have long advocated for terminological updates to combat deep-rooted social stigma that prevents early diagnosis and treatment.
The amendment reflects a broader effort across Indian states to align legislation with contemporary medical standards and human rights principles. Goa's action may serve as a model for other states reviewing archaic terminology in health-related statutes that govern vulnerable populations, particularly children.