Author: Ayantika Kundu (Sister Tutor, Nsms Nursing Institute)
Published On: 16-09-2024 | 3 min Read

Female foeticide in India refers to the abortion of a female fetus outside of legal methods. A research by Pew Research Center indicates that there were at least 9 million females who were victims of foeticide from 2000 to 2019. The research found that 86.7% of these foeticides were by Hindus, followed by Sikhs with 4.9%, and Muslims with 6.6%. The natural sex ratio is assumed to be between 103 and 107 males per 100 females, and any number above it is considered suggestive of female foeticide. According to the decennial Indian census, the sex ratio in the 0 to 6 age group in India has risen from 102.4 males per 100 females in 1961 to 104.2 in 1980, to 107.5 in 2001, to 108.9 in 2011. The Indian government has passed the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) in 1994 to ban and punish prenatal sex screening and female foeticide. However, there are concerns that PCPNDT Act has been poorly enforced by authorities.

Female foeticide, or the intentional abortion of female foetuses, is a significant social issue in many parts of the world, particularly in countries like India, China, and Pakistan. It is a manifestation of deep-rooted gender bias and discrimination against women. Despite progress in various spheres, India continues to grapple with the dark reality of female foeticide. The preference for sons over daughters perpetuates this heinous crime, leading to a skewed sex ratio and far-reaching consequences. This blog examines the current state of female foeticide in India, its causes, effects, and potential solutions in 2024.

 

Causes:

1. Societal preference for sons: In many cultures, sons are preferred over daughters due to factors like inheritance, financial support, and social status.

2. Gender inequality: Women are often seen as inferior to men, leading to a lack of value placed on female lives.

3. Limited access to education and economic opportunities: Women's roles are often restricted to domestic work, making them seem less valuable than men.

4. Patriarchal norms and traditions: Societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles perpetuates the preference for sons.

Consequences:

1. Skewed sex ratio: Female foeticide leads to an imbalance in the sex ratio, resulting in fewer women than men.

2. Demographic challenges: This imbalance can lead to difficulties in finding brides, increased marriage ages, and changed family structures.

3. Perpetuation of gender inequality: Female foeticide reinforces the notion that women are less valuable than men.

4. Psychological impact on women: Surviving women may face guilt, shame, and low self-esteem due to the devaluation of their gender.

Current status of sex ratio in India:

Sex ratio (females per 1000 males)	2011 census	2023 (NFHS-5 survey)
Rural	949	1037
Urban	929	985
India	943	1020

 

 

What are all the Preventive measures:

The Indian government has enacted several laws and initiatives to prevent female foeticide:

1. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994, is an Indian law aimed at preventing female foeticide and promoting gender equality.

2. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971: Regulates abortion, but doesn't explicitly address sex-selective abortion.

3. Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994: Regulates pre-natal diagnostic techniques.

4. The Prohibition of Sex Selection Act, 2003: Amends the PC-PNDT Act to strengthen enforcement.

5. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme, 2015: Aims to improve sex ratio, education, and health for girls.

6. National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001: Addresses gender inequality and discrimination.

7. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Protects women from harassment.

8. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Protects women from domestic violence.

9. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits dowry demands.

10. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005: Ensures equal inheritance rights for women.

These laws and initiatives aim to prevent female foeticide, promote gender equality, and protect women's rights.

 

It is certain that there are constant improvements in the gender ratio. Now more parents than before are dreaming of their daughters being born and educating them and taking them forward. This is a good thing, but we still have a long way to go. There is a need to change the attitude towards daughters in society. Daughters are not a burden but equal partners. They too are entitled to education like sons, are entitled to make their career, and are entitled to fulfil their dreams.