Abstract

Few countries around the world have witnessed skewed male female ratios for many years as the proportion of population with regard to men is greater than one would expect based on “natural” sex ratios at birth and the mortality rates. The root cause behind this imbalance is generally the result of preferring a male child, which is entwined in the cultural and economic experiences, and accentuated by the declining fertility rate and the social and economic pressures to have smaller and nuclear families. With a focus on two major countries China and India, where distorted male female ratios have been focused globally and are recognised by their governments, this paper focuses on reviewing the key literature which explores the reason, current trends and the consequences of sex selective practices from infanticide and neglect to more modern sex determining and selective practices such as ultrasound tests and consequent sex selective abortions. Despite the fact that sex selection is prohibited by law in both China and India, it is impossible to keep track of these treatments because medical professionals and equipment vendors profit from them. Other nations, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh etc., have also seen skewed percentages. Simple regulation of the use of sex-selective technology will not normalise sex ratios. This paper specifically focuses on the strategies that concentrate on reversing the gender disparity that fuels son preference is necessary for a long-term reduction in sex selection.

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