Oxytocin is a crucial hormone used on pregnant women. It is used for the induction of labour and stop postpartum bleeding. It causes uterine contractions during labour, and helps new mothers lactate. It has largely been in use during delivery to reduce maternal mortality.
Misuse – Besides the
genuine uses, Oxytocin is largely misused. It is used in injecting milch animals, such as cows, to increase milk production. Vegetables and fruit, too, are injected with Oxytocin, to increase their sizes. Worryingly, it is also used in illegal and unsafe abortions to induce labour. Besides, social workers allege that it was injected to force premature puberty in trafficked young girls.