A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal reveals that India has lost approximately 10 million female fetuses due to sex-selective abortions over the past 20 years.
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The gender imbalance makes it difficult for young men in India to find brides |
Researchers indicate that the practice of sex selection through abortion and other methods has led to the loss of around 500,000 female fetuses each year.
This study is based on surveys conducted across nearly 1.1 million households in India, revealing that sex-selective abortions are more prevalent among better-educated women. The result is a severe gender imbalance currently observed in India.
According to statistics from 2001, for every 1,000 boys born in India, there are only 933 girls. In households where the first child is a girl, the likelihood of a female fetus being aborted is even higher. In this group, for every 1,000 boys born, there are only 759 girls. In families with two daughters, the ratio drops further to 1,000/719.
Traditionally in India, women are often viewed as inferior to men. With an economy largely based on agriculture, men are typically seen as more productive workers. Last year, prominent social activist and religious leader Swami Agnivesh launched a campaign in northern and western Indian states to raise awareness against female fetal abortions.
“There is no crime more painful, more brutal, and more shameful than this crime,” he stated.
T. Huyền (according to BBC)
