Rewriting Motherhood: Bhavana Ramanna's IVF story highlights India's reproductive rights revolution

Bhavana Ramanna's IVF journey challenges stigma, promotes choice, and highlights India's evolving acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies.

- SANDHYA MENDONCA

Actor Bhavana Ramanna recently announced the latest and perhaps the most challenging role of her life. She's going to be a mother. A single unwed mother. Of course, it hit the news cycle of an always-sensation-hungry public. But the real news is that far from being stigmatised, her peers and fans are showering her with congratulations.

I found her announcement on Facebook endearingly frank, and it resonated with her fans and peers in the world of dance and film. The traditional 'seemantha' (baby shower) in the seventh month was a colourful and grand celebration. It also highlighted the landmark Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, which revolutionised reproductive rights in India. Any woman who is above the age of twenty-one years and is a citizen of India, regardless of their marital status, is eligible for IVF treatment on the same basis as married couples.

Not everyone cheered for her, though. She had to face outrageous comments about her. Why didn't she get married when she was younger? Why didn't she adopt a child, and the most offensive of all, had she been celibate all her life? "Would anyone ask a man such questions?" she demanded to know.

In a free-wheeling conversation, Bhavana came across as frank and outspoken by nature. She declared to me, "I didn't claim to be celibate; I have said openly that I had a relationship, but it didn't work out for me. I didn't hide it, but I didn't publicise it. I am not answerable to anyone."

Bhavana has twice won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress and once for Best Supporting Actress, and acted in several award-winning films.