22/08/2026
For years, reports from Maharashtra's sugarcane belt have highlighted a disturbing trend: many women working as sugarcane cutters have undergone hysterectomies, the surgical removal of the uterus, often at a much younger age than expected. While social media often claims these women are "getting their uterus removed so they never have to miss work because of their periods," the reality is more complex and deeply troubling.
Most of these women are seasonal migrant labourers who work 12 to 16 hours a day under extremely harsh conditions. Their wages depend on continuous work, and taking leave because of severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, pregnancy, or illness can mean losing income or even facing financial penalties from labour contractors. Many also lack access to toilets, clean water, menstrual hygiene products, and healthcare while working in the fields.
Several investigations have found that economic pressure, poor working conditions, and questionable medical practices have contributed to unusually high rates of hysterectomies in districts such as Beed.
Some women reported being advised that removing their uterus would eliminate menstrual problems and allow them to work without interruption. Others said they were warned they were at risk of cancer or were encouraged to undergo surgery even when less invasive treatments may have been possible.
A Maharashtra government inquiry in 2019 found that nearly 17% of more than 82,000 surveyed female sugarcane workers in Beed had undergone hysterectomies, far above the national average. More recent investigations have prompted the state government to reconstitute committees to examine whether unnecessary surgeries are still being performed and to strengthen oversight of private hospitals.
It is important to understand that not every hysterectomy performed on a sugarcane worker is unnecessary. Some women genuinely have medical conditions such as fibroids, severe abnormal uterine bleeding, or other diseases where hysterectomy may be the appropriate treatment.
The concern raised by doctors, activists, and government inquiries is that vulnerable women may have undergone avoidable surgeries because of poverty, pressure to keep working, lack of access to alternative treatment, or unethical medical advice.
A hysterectomy is a major operation. When performed at a young age, especially if the ovaries are also removed, it can increase the risk of early menopause, heart disease, osteoporosis, urinary problems, pelvic floor disorders, and long-term physical and psychological effects. Many women have reported chronic pain, weakness, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life after the surgery.
The issue is not simply about periods. It is about poverty, inadequate labour protections, poor access to reproductive healthcare, and the exploitation of vulnerable women. Experts argue that improving working conditions, ensuring menstrual leave and sanitation facilities, providing accessible gynaecological care, and preventing unnecessary surgeries are essential to protecting the health and dignity of these workers.
