The Central government might have scored a political point by proposing chemical castration for rape convicts, but medical experts say it is easier said than done. The issue is also wrought with human rights and legal and health angles that will only complicate matters for the government. In a free country, the consent of the convict is a must, irrespective of what the legislation says.
Simply put, chemical castration involves injecting female hormones into a man. The female hormone progesterone, when injected in high doses, suppresses the male hormone, androgen, and nullifies the attraction of a man towards a woman. As it inhibits masculinity, the man loses interest in the opposite sex.
In 2012, two countries (Moldova and Estonia) had legalised chemical castration, and, before that, Russia and South Korea had made similar legislation for paedophiles. Experts also point out that the drug used for chemical castration works for just 90 days and the person has to take a fresh dose every three months. Unlike surgical castration, which involves removal of the testes, chemical castration is a reversible process. Once the doses are stopped, the convict becomes normal as the male hormones regain their vigour.
And here lies the major problem: tracing the person every three months and injecting him with anti-androgen drugs once he is out of jail. Also, the drug won’t have any effect if the convict secretly takes male hormonal injections.
Moreover, forceful administration of the drug is a violation of human rights and the convict’s consent has to be obtained before going in for chemical castration.
“In a hugely populous country like India where corruption is common, follow-up of rape convicts out of jail every three months throughout his life is next to impossible. Thus, drug compliance is difficult. Generally, drugs like medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate are injected into the buttocks. These drugs also serve as female contraceptives for women who do not want to go in for other methods.
“They cause severe health issues, including cardiac problems in men, and are also not safe for post-menopausal women,” said Dr Kammela Sreedhar, senior urologist and micro-surgical andrologist.
Dr Hari Kishan Boorugu, consultant physician, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderguda, also points out that chemical castration is reversible and may not be 100 per cent effective.
“It is not a one-time solution. The drug has many complications, though life-threatening side effects are rare,” points out cardiologist Dr Sai Sudhakar. Men develop feminine characteristics because of the drug and it also damages bones and affects the heart.
However, some studies have showed no adverse side-effects, he said, adding that Medroxyprogesterone acetate was a successful method for repeat sexual offenders.
Consultant urologist Dr K. Subramanyam said the drugs were used for advanced prostate cancer treatment. They reduce testosterone to negligible levels, which results in receding libido or sexual urges. “Long-term usage can lead to symptoms typically exhibited by women attaining menopause, like calcium levels coming down in bones, muscle wasting and hot flushes leading to temporary sweating.”
Internal medicine expert Dr S.P. Singh said only 0.01 per cent of men were hyperactive. Chemical castration is the physiological suppression of libido using anti-androgen drugs, but it has to be used very cautiously. “These drugs generally suppress the hormones but physical characteristics may be altered. There could be several complications, including psychological disorders like alcohol abuse,” he warns.