Sex Selective Abortions
Assessment Component 2:
Issues Analysis
Stage Two Women’s Studies
The issue of sex selective abortions is reflective of women’s inferior status throughout contemporary Indian society.
Feminism and women’s rights have resulted in abortion rights throughout many countries, which are thought to benefit womanhood for a range of reasons. However, in developing countries such as India, abortion rights are reinforcing the patriarchy that has oppressed women for millions of decades, through the practise of sex selective abortions. Historically, son preference has existed throughout the entire country, and is still a growing phenomenon. This phenomenon, along with abortion rights, has resulted in an increasing number of women who choose to or are forced to commit female foeticide. Although variations in male to female ratios persist throughout different districts, the average ratio of 933 females to every 1000 males[1] in India indicates gross violation of women’s rights, while making it evident that female foeticide is a significant problem. The termination of a female based entirely on her gender is not only morally unacceptable, but also represents the gender bias and lack of equal rights and opportunities for women in India. These abortions represent and reinforce devaluation of girls and further entrench gender prejudices.[2] Many demographic and socioeconomic factors affect the frequency of sex selection. These abortions have numerous implications for the entire Indian society, especially for the women. Legal and feminist responses have not been adequate enough to significantly reduce this practise, thus, additional awareness is necessary.
Arguably, one of the major factors that affect the prevalence of sex selective abortions in India is son preference. Son preference is motivated by cultural, economic, social and religious desires and norms that favour males over females. Preference of sons is deeply rooted
Issues Analysis
Stage Two Women’s Studies
The issue of sex selective abortions is reflective of women’s inferior status throughout contemporary Indian society.
Feminism and women’s rights have resulted in abortion rights throughout many countries, which are thought to benefit womanhood for a range of reasons. However, in developing countries such as India, abortion rights are reinforcing the patriarchy that has oppressed women for millions of decades, through the practise of sex selective abortions. Historically, son preference has existed throughout the entire country, and is still a growing phenomenon. This phenomenon, along with abortion rights, has resulted in an increasing number of women who choose to or are forced to commit female foeticide. Although variations in male to female ratios persist throughout different districts, the average ratio of 933 females to every 1000 males[1] in India indicates gross violation of women’s rights, while making it evident that female foeticide is a significant problem. The termination of a female based entirely on her gender is not only morally unacceptable, but also represents the gender bias and lack of equal rights and opportunities for women in India. These abortions represent and reinforce devaluation of girls and further entrench gender prejudices.[2] Many demographic and socioeconomic factors affect the frequency of sex selection. These abortions have numerous implications for the entire Indian society, especially for the women. Legal and feminist responses have not been adequate enough to significantly reduce this practise, thus, additional awareness is necessary.
Arguably, one of the major factors that affect the prevalence of sex selective abortions in India is son preference. Son preference is motivated by cultural, economic, social and religious desires and norms that favour males over females. Preference of sons is deeply rooted