Unravelling the Persistence of Sex-Selective Abortion: A Socioeconomic Exploration

By Adv. Robin Christopher

Sex-selective abortion is the inhumane practice of terminating pregnancies based on the sex of the foetus. It remains a contentious and deeply entrenched issue in India. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of sex-selective abortion, shedding light on the various socioeconomic elements contributing to its persistence.

1. Valuing Men as Caregivers in Cultural Norms

In the Indian society at large, sons are traditionally seen as providers and caregivers for their parents in old age, while daughters are viewed as economic burdens. This preference exerts immense pressure on families, leading them to opt for sex-selective abortion when expecting a girl.

It is difficult to understand the origin and basis of this notion as varying estimates clearly indicate that 57-81% of all caregivers of the elderly, are women. In most cases, female caregivers are wives or adult daughters of the elderly person.

2. Economic Considerations

Economic factors assume a crucial role, particularly with the dowry system imposing a significant financial burden on families during the marriage of their daughters. Additionally, the expectation that male children will inherit property and carry on the family lineage further contributes to son preference.

There is an endless list of successful women to bust the myth that daughters cannot be financially dependable and successful. Follow us on social media as we constantly update informational posts on inspiring women and girls who break stereotypes and made it, despite all odds.

3. Traditional Practices and Family Dynamics

Some deep-seated unhealthy traditional practices significantly contribute to sex-selective abortion. In societies where entrenched customs dictate family structures and expectations, the pressure to conform to these norms can lead to the preference for male children.

In societies where women have limited autonomy, they may be pressured into undergoing sex-selective abortions. Addressing these deep-rooted traditions is essential for dismantling the cultural factors that contribute to sex-selective abortion.

4. Access to Healthcare and Technology

Advancements in medical technology, such as ultrasound and prenatal sex determination tests, have facilitated sex-selective abortions. Unregulated access to this technology allows families to easily learn the sex of the foetus.

5. Legal Frameworks and Enforcement

While laws serve as tools to combat sex-selective abortion, challenges in effective implementation exist. Enforcement of laws against sex determination tests and sex-selective abortions is challenging due to the secretive nature of the practice and cultural norms. Often, medical practitioners and clinics fail to strictly adhere to legal guidelines.

6. Education and Awareness

Education and awareness campaigns are essential for challenging unhealthy cultural norms. These initiatives can shift attitudes and beliefs perpetuating sex-selective abortion. Empowering women and men with knowledge and resources can also enable them to understand the value of life and the importance of saving girl children.

Explore the legal literacy programs provided by ADF India's Vanishing Girls campaign. Learn more here.

7. Government Policies

Government policies play a crucial role in addressing sex-selective abortion. Policymakers must implement measures that empower women and girls, improve healthcare access and enforce laws against sex determination tests and sex-selective abortions. Additionally, governments must support programs that focus on changing cultural norms and attitudes toward gender and family dynamics.

8. Community and Religious Influences

Community and religious influences significantly impact sex-selective abortion. Engaging religious leaders and community influencers in dialogues about gender and family dynamics can lead to shifts in attitudes and behaviours.

Sex-selective abortion is a deeply complex issue rooted in culture, tradition, and gender dynamics. Legislation alone cannot fully address it; a multifaceted approach considering socioeconomic factors is necessary. To combat this practice effectively, society must collectively challenge harmful beliefs, empowering women to prioritize gender equity and the well-being of families and communities.

To combat the evil of sex-selective abortion, ADF India’s Vanishing Girls campaign works with several like-minded allies, state government bodies, public prosecutors, legal and civic bodies, social activists, medical professionals and ASHA workers to provide legal support as well as training to ensure acts have been implemented to protect the Girl Child are implemented effectively and adhered to strictly.

To collaborate with us, write to askme@vanishinggirls.in

Robin Christopher Joseph is Deputy Director, Strategic Litigation, ADF India. He oversees strategic litigation relating to freedom of religion for South India. His interests are Criminal Law, Constitutional Law matters and civil liberty movements. He completed law from Christ College and holds a LLM from Azim Premji University. He has completed his International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford.

Efforts made by Government and NGOs to address sex-selective abortion

By Anuja Naik

Son-preference continues to persist as a deeply entrenched issue in India, transcending both urban and rural domains as well as societal structures. This pervasive problem has been a pivotal driver of a pronounced imbalance in the nation’s child sex ratio. As per the Census of India 2011, the child sex ratio at birth (0-6 years) stood at 914 females per 1,000 males, demonstrating a clear manifestation of son preference influencing family decisions.

This article delves into the strategies employed by both government and non-governmental organizations in India and examines their impacts in addressing sex-selective abortion and restoring a balanced sex ratio in the country.

Government Initiatives

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Campaign: Launched in January 2015, BBBP is one of the flagship initiatives by the Indian Government to address the declining Child Sex Ratio. The campaign focuses on preventing gender-biased sex-selective abortions and promoting the education and empowerment of girls. Through mass media campaigns, community mobilisation, and policy advocacy, BBBP has raised awareness about the importance of valuing the Girl Child and has led to significant improvements in sex ratios in certain regions.

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act: Implemented in 1994 and amended in 2003, this legislation prohibits sex determination tests and regulates the use of ultrasound machines to prevent sex-selective abortions. The act imposes stringent penalties on offenders, including imprisonment and license cancellation for medical practitioners involved in illegal sex determination. Although challenges persist, the PCPNDT Act has been instrumental in curbing sex-selective practices. As per a 2021 data, there have been over 617 convictions under this Act, over the last 25 years.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Launched in 2005, JSY is a conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at promoting institutional deliveries, especially in rural areas. It incentivises pregnant women to deliver their babies in health institutions, thus reducing the risk of sex-selective abortions and maternal mortality. The scheme has significantly contributed to increased institutional deliveries and access to maternal healthcare.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Introduced in 2015, this savings scheme encourages parents to save money for the future education and marriage expenses of their Girl Child. With an attractive interest rate and tax benefits, the scheme encourages parents to invest in their daughters' futures. As a result, it contributes to shifting away from the conventional perspective that raising daughters entails heightened financial burden.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Save the Children: As a leading NGO working towards child rights and welfare, Save the Children has been actively involved in addressing gender inequality and promoting the well-being of girls in India. Their initiatives include community awareness programs, scholarships for girls' education, and capacity building for empowering women and girls in marginalized communities.

Population Foundation of India (PFI): PFI focuses on advocating for gender equality and reproductive health and rights. Through innovative communication campaigns and capacity building of local organizations, PFI aims to change societal attitudes towards gender discrimination and promote the value of the Girl Child.

Nanhi Kali: This NGO focuses on providing educational support to underprivileged girls, thereby reducing the economic burden on families and encouraging parents to educate their daughters. By supporting the education of Girl Children, Nanhi Kali empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and contributes to a more balanced sex ratio.

Private Sector Initiatives:

The private sector also plays a significant role in promoting the welfare of the Girl Child through corporate social responsibility initiatives. By aligning their business goals with social development, companies can make a considerable impact on girls' lives.

Some corporations sponsor girls' education, provide mentorship programs, and create safe spaces within communities. Moreover, by hiring and promoting women in leadership roles, businesses can serve as role models, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams and break traditional gender barriers.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Movements:

Local initiatives, led by community members, can address issues like child marriage, gender-based violence, and lack of access to healthcare. By creating awareness and advocating for girls' rights, these movements not only foster change but also promote a culture that values and supports the Girl Child.

ADF India’s Vanishing Girls campaign actively works to fight against sex-selective abortions and save the lives of thousands of girls who are killed in the womb every day. With efforts to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and fundamental freedoms of the unborn Girl Child, the campaign aims to protect and promote the inherent dignity of daughters, which should not be any lesser than a son’s.

LEGAL AID

ADF India provides free legal assistance through our panel of allied lawyers to women whose unborn Girl Children face in any way a hindrance to L.I.F.E (Love, Inheritance, Freedom, Equality). To know more, please visit www.adfindia.org/legal-aid.

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Anuja Naik is a human rights activist. She has worked in the Development Sector for the last 12 years and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Sikkim Manipal University with Human Resource Management as a specialisation. She has previously worked on policy-related interventions to ensure better Centre State coordination on the issue of Labour Trafficking.

Challenging Son Preference: Success Stories and Persistent Challenges in Asia

By Elina Yohannan

Son preference remains a persistent and deeply rooted issue in many Asian countries, with serious consequences for women and girls. Although the global sex ratio at birth is around 105 males for every 100 females, several Asian countries have failed to maintain this ratio due to cultural and economic factors.

INDIA

In India, the birth of a son is often met with much celebration and excitement, with cries of "Beta hua hai!" (It's a boy!), while a daughter's birth, in many homes, is not always met with the same enthusiasm. This preference for sons is deeply rooted in rigid patriarchal norms and is influenced by various factors. Sons are seen as the ones who will carry on the family lineage, provide financial and emotional support for their parents in old age, and take on major family and religious roles, while daughters are considered weak and in need of protection, and are often viewed as paraaya dhan (someone else's property after marriage). Moreover, the issue of dowry, which has been banned in India since 1961, is still practiced in the form of giving "gifts."

This preference for sons has resulted in the rise of sex-selective abortions and female infanticide in the country. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, sex-selective abortions in India have contributed to at least nine million female births “missing” between 2000 and 2019. It is predicted that by 2030, there will be approximately 6.8 million fewer girls born in India due to this practice.

Even though sex-selection is illegal in India and campaigns such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) exist to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and the issue of declining sex ratio, India still has a long way to go to change the deeply ingrained cultural attitudes that continue to favor sons over daughters.

CHINA

Like India, China also has a long history of patriarchal traditions, where sons are seen as more valuable than daughters. China’s one-child policy, which was introduced in 1979, has majorly contributed to this and resulted in increased widespread sex-selective abortion and female infanticide. Studies show that in the early 1980s, there were 108 male births to every 100 females, just a little over the natural rate; but by 2000, this ratio saw a jump in the male births to 120, even crossing 130 in some provinces. This resulted in millions of girls “missing” in the country.

Though the one-child policy is no longer in effect, and the government has made some efforts to address the problem of son preference – including a ban on sex-selective abortion and efforts to promote gender equality, the impact of these policies has been limited. A report shows that between 1980 and 2020, there have been 30-40 million more male births than females who will probably not be able to find brides within the country.

While some countries in Asia continue to struggle with this issue, some have made significant progress in reducing son preference and its negative consequences.

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea is one of the pioneer countries to have made significant strides in reducing son preference. A combination of education, public policies, and urbanization has been key to reversing the trend. During the 1990s, the child sex ratio was 114 boys per 100 girls, but it has now decreased to 104 boys per 100 girls. Legal reforms played a major role in promoting gender equality within households and public life. In the late 1980s, the Family Law saw some pivotal revisions which included equal rights to inheritance for sons and daughters. With the pension reform in the 1990s, urban workers could save for their own retirement instead of depending on their sons to farm the land. The establishment of national health insurance and gradual expansion of pension plans also eroded people’s financial dependence on sons in their old age.

TAIWAN

In recent years, Taiwan has also progressed well in addressing the issue of son preference. The government has implemented policies to promote equal opportunities in education and employment. A study showed that the proportion of desiring more boys than girls declined from 27% in 1992 to 12% in 2002. The study also showed that education reduces son preference and leads to a higher degree of gender neutrality.

Though these are tremendous developments, there is much that still needs to be done to address the root causes of son preference in Asia, and to promote basic human rights for girls and women, gender equality, public health, and socioeconomic growth.

In India, the Vanishing Girls campaign actively works to fight against sex-selective abortions and save the lives of thousands of girls who are killed in the womb every day. With efforts to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and fundamental freedoms of the unborn girl child, the campaign aims to protect and promote the inherent dignity of daughters, which should not be any lesser than a son’s.

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Elina organizes trainings and events to build network with community leaders, lawyers, and students in South Asia. She also coordinates operations for Areté Academy Asia – a training programme for young professionals & students. Elina earned her master's degree in social work from Madras School of Social Work, specializing in Community Development.

Why India’s latest sex ratio of 1021 girls per 1000 boys is only a partial win

The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data for 2019-21 indicates that India has more females than males (1021 females per 1000 males), but ironically, also points towards a slightly improved yet dangerously skewed sex ratio at birth – 929 females per 1000 males.

The report also highlights that the states of Jharkhand (899), Telangana (894), Odisha (894), Haryana (893), Rajasthan (891), Tamil Nadu (878), Himachal Pradesh (875), Goa (838), Chandigarh (838), and Daman & Diu (817) show fewer than 900 girls being born for every 1000 boys. Kerala shows the sharpest decline with respect to sex ratio at birth – falling 96 points from a robust 1047 girls per 1000 boys in 2015-16 to 951 in 2019.

While it is a commonly known fact that naturally, more males are born than females in the human species, the sizeable gap between the number of boys and girls born in India clearly points towards the prevalence of the practice of sex-selective abortion. Couple that with the decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate, and we may face even fewer girls being both conceived and born.

India has implemented the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 that has illegalised sex-selection, both before and after conception. This Act, although a step in the right direction, is by no means enough by itself to curb this inhuman practice.

Law and Culture must work together to make people realise the morbid future that female foeticide will plunge the nation into, and ensure that this evil is eradicated not only in practice, but from people’s mindset. Then only, will every Girl Child conceived will be guaranteed L.I.F.E. (Love, Inheritance, Freedom, Equality). Then only will the country truly enjoy stability and development in all aspects.

Raising awareness is critical right now.

To combat the evil of sex-selective abortion, ADF India’s Vanishing Girls campaign works with several like-minded allies, state government bodies, public prosecutors, legal and civic bodies, social activists, medical professionals and ASHA workers to provide legal support as well as training to ensure relevant laws are effectively implemented to protect the women and the unborn girl child.

Our training focuses on:

The trends and impact of sex-selective abortion and sanctity of life
The legal framework governing sex determination and sex selective abortions
A call to action: Learning how we can make a difference

Our legal experts would be glad to collaborate with you and organise free legal trainings for your organisation, church group, school, college, etc. to raise awareness about sex-selective abortion and empower the attendees in taking a strong stand against it.

To know more about organising trainings with Vanishing Girls, you could:

E-mail us at askme@vanishinggirls.in
Call us on +91 11 41660991
Visit vanishinggirls.in/contact-us/

Read more about our past trainings here.

In a society where raising girls is considered ‘a lot of work’, we must not shy away from the hard work necessary to ensure L.I.F.E. to her

The year was 1973. Some elders of a nomadic Rajasthani community considered the situation of a ‘sapera’ (snake-charmer) who was away for work, and his wife, who lay unconscious after giving birth to a baby girl – the seventh child of the family. They decided that the girl (born only a few hours ago) would be ‘a lot of work’. So, rather than giving her her rightful place at her mother’s bosom, they saw it fit to dig a hole and bury her alive.

But the girl was rescued, and she survived. Her father fought for his daughter’s right to live, and readily chose to be abandoned by the community. The girl went on to take the folk-dance tradition of the Kalbaliya community to the world stage.

In 2016, Gulabo Sapera was awarded the coveted Padma Shri for her art. She brought recognition to the same community that didn’t see any value in her!

Gulabo was fortunate that her parents, especially her father, were supportive in the face of a society that considers girls as ‘a lot of work’. But there are many who are not that fortunate and neither find support nor find the L.I.F.E (Love, Inheritance, Freedom, and Equality) that they deserve.

The statistics are staggering, and yet there has been little to no reduction in the number of sex-selective abortions in the country. A 2021 ToI article pegged the number of convictions under the PCPNDT Act as only 614 over the past quarter of a century!

Meanwhile, the girl child continues to suffer the consequences of being considered a liability and a burden to her family in our society, even before she is born.

Our training focuses on:

The trends and impact of sex-selective abortion and sanctity of life
The legal framework governing sex determination and sex selective abortions
A call to action: Learning how we can make a difference

To know more about organising trainings with Vanishing Girls, you could:

E-mail us at askme@vanishinggirls.in
Call us on +91 11 41660991

Visit vanishinggirls.in/contact-us/

Read more about our past trainings here: vanishinggirls.in/trainings/

Art imitates LIFE - How a 2022 film FINALLY opens the mainstream discussion on sex-selective abortion

Updated on 15 July 2022

Divyang Thakkar’s directorial debut Jayeshbhai Jordaar did not make big splashes with its release on 13^th May 2022. The film also received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Though with flaws, this social dramedy deserves appreciation for attempting to draw the attention of mainstream media to a topic rarely discussed – sex-selective abortion.

Set in a village in Gujarat, the film follows the quest of a renegade couple (portrayed by Ranveer Singh and Shalini Pandey) to save their unborn girl child’s life from their own family, especially the patriarch (played by Boman Irani).

Despite Thakkar declaring, even before its release, that the film was “designed primarily as an entertainer”, the team seems to have done a fair bit of research on the topic. The film ties together a lot of underlying themes, practices, norms, and notions in the journey of the main characters.

Here are five moments from the film that highlight the inhuman practice of son-preference.

And yes, spoiler alert!

#1: How ultrasound technicians communicate the sex of the baby