![](/imgs/covers/jp_cover.jpg)
|
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0022-3859
Vol. 54, No. 4, 2008, pp. 276-279
|
Bioline Code: jp08099
Full paper language: English
Document type: Symposium
Document available free of charge
|
|
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 54, No. 4, 2008, pp. 276-279
en |
Female feticide in India: Issues and concerns
Garg, S. & Nath, A.
Abstract
The preference for a son continues to be a prevalent norm in the traditional Indian household. This is evident from the declining sex ratio which has dropped to alarming levels, especially in the northern states according to Census 2001 reports. The proliferation and abuse of advanced technologies coupled with social factors contributing to the low status of women such as dowry, concerns with family name and looking up to the son as a breadwinner has made the evil practice of female feticide to become common in the middle and higher socioeconomic households, especially in the northern states. Despite the existence of the Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act, there is a dire need to strengthen this law since the number of convictions is despairingly low as compared to the burden posed by this crime. Moreover, it is necessary to gear efforts against the cultural, economic and religious roots of this social malady by woman empowerment and intensive Information, Education and Communication campaigns. The medical colleges and professional bodies have a vital role to play by sensitizing medical students who are the doctors of tomorrow.
Keywords
Female feticide, sex ratio, sex selection technology
|
|
© Copyright 2008 Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. Alternative site location: http://www.jpgmonline.com
|
|