Female Foeticide in India: A Grave Issue That Needs Urgent Attention
Female foeticide, the selective abortion of female fetuses, remains a deep-seated issue in India. Despite the country’s progress in various fields, this heinous practice continues, driven by cultural biases and societal norms that favor male children. The consequences of this gender-based discrimination are dire, affecting the demographic balance and social structure of the nation.
The Cultural Roots of Female Foeticide
India’s patriarchal society has long placed a higher value on male children. Sons are traditionally viewed as the heirs to family wealth, bearers of the family name, and providers for aging parents. In contrast, daughters are often seen as economic burdens due to the dowry system and other social obligations. This preference for sons, when combined with the availability of prenatal sex determination technologies, has led to the widespread practice of female foeticide.
Legal Measures: The Fight Against Female Foeticide
In response to the alarming rise in sex-selective abortions, the Indian government enacted the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in 1994, which was later amended in 2003. The Act aims to prevent the misuse of diagnostic techniques for sex determination and imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of engaging in sex-selective practices. However, the effectiveness of this law has been undermined by inadequate enforcement, corruption, and societal acceptance of gender bias.
Government Data: A Disturbing Reality
The extent of female foeticide in India is evident from official government data. The Census of India 2011 revealed a declining child sex ratio (CSR) — the number of girls per 1,000 boys aged 0-6 years — which stood at 919, down from 927 in 2001. This decline highlights the persistent preference for male children and the ongoing practice of sex-selective abortions.
More recent data from the Sample Registration System (SRS), provided by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, shows that the sex ratio at birth (SRB) for 2017-2019 was 899 girls per 1,000 boys. This figure underscores the continuing challenge of combating female foeticide in various regions of the country.
Regional Disparities: An Uneven Challenge
The prevalence of female foeticide varies significantly across different states in India. States such as Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have some of the lowest child-sex ratios, reflecting deep-rooted gender biases. For instance, Haryana’s CSR was reported at 834 girls per 1,000 boys in the 2011 Census, one of the lowest in the country. On the other hand, states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have higher CSRs, reflecting more progressive social attitudes and better gender equality.
Government Initiatives: Addressing the Crisis
To tackle the issue of female foeticide, the Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the status of girls and correcting the skewed sex ratio. One of the most recognizable initiatives is “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter), which was launched in 2015.This multi-sectoral campaign targets districts with low sex ratios, aiming to improve girl child survival, protection, and education.
The government has also focused on enhancing public awareness through media campaigns, community outreach, and the involvement of local leaders and religious figures. These efforts are intended to shift societal attitudes and promote the value of the girl child.
The Path Forward: Overcoming Challenges
While significant progress has been made, the fight against female foeticide is far from over. Strengthening the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act is crucial, with stricter penalties for violators and better monitoring systems to ensure compliance. Moreover, addressing the root causes of gender bias — including economic factors, cultural norms, and lack of education — is essential for long-term change.
Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and legal rights is a key component in changing societal attitudes. Public awareness campaigns must continue to emphasize the value of girls, not just as equal citizens, but as integral to the social and economic fabric of the nation.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
Female foeticide is a grave violation of human rights and a reflection of deep-seated gender inequality in society. The skewed sex ratio serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in ensuring that every girl child is given the right to life and the opportunity to thrive.
The responsibility to eradicate female foeticide lies not just with the government but with every member of society. By challenging harmful cultural norms and advocating for the rights of girls, we can work towards a future where every child, regardless of gender, is valued and cherished. To protect the futures of millions of girls and the nation’s well-being, action must be taken right now.
