Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Analysis of the Consequences and Scientific Perspectives on Female Foeticide and Sex Selection

Rachel Miller^{* *}Correspondence: Rachel Miller, Department of Women's Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, Email:

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Female foeticide and sex-selective abortion remain serious problems in many parts of the world, especially in countries with strong patriarchal traditions such as India and China. These practices, often motivated by a desire for sons, have profound social, ethical, and scientific implications. The persistence of abortion and sex selection, despite legal restrictions and increasing awareness, reflects complex cultural dynamics that undermine the concept of gender equality. Abortion is the act of terminating a female foetus, usually after a sex-determination test. Sex selection takes many forms, from elective abortion to prenatal sex-determination procedures, and is often driven by cultural, economic, and social norms that favour male children. In many societies, sons are seen as heirs who can carry on the family name, provide financial support and fulfil social roles, while daughters are often seen as a financial burden due to dowry practices or the expectation of marriage and divorce from their parents.

According to the 2011 Indian census, the sex ratio at birth is 919 girls per 1,000 boys, in stark contrast to the global natural sex ratio of about 105 boys per 100 girls. This imbalance has led to a rise in “missing women.” The term refers to the number of women who are lost from the population due to discriminatory practices such as sex-selective abortion, neglect, and infanticide. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other organizations have warned that this distortion of the natural sex ratio is a demographic time bomb with long-term societal consequences. There are many societal impacts such as social and economic impacts, psychological and cultural impacts, etc. The lack of married women creates competition and conflict between men, sometimes leading to social unrest, human trafficking, and forced marriage. From an economic perspective, the reduction of women as a social resource hinders the strengthening of gender diversity in the workforce. Women, who could contribute significantly to economic development in any nation, are relegated to secondary roles, often confined to household chores and child-rearing duties. This gender discrimination perpetuates poverty, as the potential contributions of half the population remain untapped.

In many cultures, the dehumanization of women continues to perpetuate the idea of female oppression, prolonging the belief that women are less valuable or less entitled than men. This shift in thinking has led to higher rates of violence against women, including domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. In addition, the psychological trauma experienced by women who are abandoned, neglected, or labelled “unfit” because of their gender can lead to long-term mental health problems. Feeling worthless or believing that they are not important to a person’s life perpetuates a cycle of inferiority and depression. Scientific research on the causes and consequences of abortion and sex selection reveals a combination of factors that lead to these practices. Studies show that sex-selective abortions are more common in settings with strong patriarchal values, low literacy rates, and a lack of resources for women’s empowerment. A large study conducted in India found that sexselective practices are influenced by economic factors. Families who already have daughters are more likely to engage in sex selection if they have limited financial resources to support their daughters. Research shows that education and financial security can reduce reliance on gender-selective methods.

Other important findings from scientific studies show the effectiveness of prenatal sex determination methods such as ultrasound and amniocentesis. Although this technology was originally developed to detect foetal health problems, the misuse of this technology in gender selection has led to an increase in female foetuses. The researchers called for stronger regulation of the technology to prevent gender discrimination and to ensure that the technology is used only for health-related purposes. The medical community also has a role to play in addressing this problem. The research shows that some doctors, motivated by financial or social pressures, continue to promote sex-specific abortions despite legal restrictions. Awareness and training programs for healthcare providers and a strong legal framework are essential to prevent these abuses.

The scientific community has found many ways to address this problem, including increasing access to education, empowering women and implementing stricter laws on sex-determination technologies. As society evolves, gender equality needs to be addressed, not only to ensure gender equality but also to ensure the social and economic well-being of future generations. From ultimately, ending female abortion and sex selection requires a culture change that values women as equals as men and recognizes their rights and abilities to play a meaningful role in society. Working together at individual, community and policy levels can reverse the trend of gender discrimination.