Imbalance in Sex Ratio and Illegal Sex Recognition in India
Mentor Information
Holly Donahue Singh (Judy Genshaft Honors College)
Description
For the past few decades, the imbalance in the sex ratio has been a major concern for the government in India. According to the 2011 census report, there were 909 females per 1000 males. Moreover, the ratio of females to males below 6 years of age has been declining at a disturbing rate. Male preference and female feticide using prenatal gender recognition is a major reason behind this sex ratio imbalance. This study aims to evaluate the factors causing this imbalance like the introduction of ultrasound scanning technique (used for gender recognition) and male preference among urban and rural populations. The measures adopted by the government to stabilize the sex ratio like banning sex recognition before birth. This law was implemented over 25 years ago but the sex ratio(male: female) gap has grown. This project also addresses healthcare malpractices like revealing the fetus’ gender to the patients. It evaluates the impact of the government’s measures on this problem and suggests various alternative approaches which could help to balance the sex ratio.
Imbalance in Sex Ratio and Illegal Sex Recognition in India
For the past few decades, the imbalance in the sex ratio has been a major concern for the government in India. According to the 2011 census report, there were 909 females per 1000 males. Moreover, the ratio of females to males below 6 years of age has been declining at a disturbing rate. Male preference and female feticide using prenatal gender recognition is a major reason behind this sex ratio imbalance. This study aims to evaluate the factors causing this imbalance like the introduction of ultrasound scanning technique (used for gender recognition) and male preference among urban and rural populations. The measures adopted by the government to stabilize the sex ratio like banning sex recognition before birth. This law was implemented over 25 years ago but the sex ratio(male: female) gap has grown. This project also addresses healthcare malpractices like revealing the fetus’ gender to the patients. It evaluates the impact of the government’s measures on this problem and suggests various alternative approaches which could help to balance the sex ratio.
