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VIEWPOINT An update on the declining sex ratio in
India Vibhuti
Patel Indian women face covert violence before
birth through sex pre-selection, and overt violence after conception through
sex-selective abortion. While abortion is legal in India, sex-selective abortion
is not. Amniocentesis, chorionic villus biopsy (CVB), sonography, ultrasound and
imaging techniques are used to determine the sex of the foetus (1). In vitro
fertilisation (IVF) clinics for assisted reproduction are approached by
infertile couples to produce sons. This has resulted in a decline in the
juvenile sex ratio and 60 lakh missing girls in the age group of 0-6 years, as
per the Census of India, 2001.
New reproductive
technologies (NRTs) and women
NRTs refer to four types of functions:
IVF and subsequent embryo transfer, gamete intrafallopian transfer, zygote intra
fallopian transfer, and cloning assisted repro-duction. While the new
contraceptive technologies are used before conception, older methods such as
amniocentesis, CVB and ultrasound are used after conception.
Supporters of sex-selection tests for elimination of female
foetuses have justified their views on the basis of the law of supply and
demand. However, there has been a continuous decline in the sex ratio from 972
women per 1000 men in 1901 to 933 women per 1000 men in 2001. In other
countries, sex ratios at birth are also skewed in favour of
men.
States with widespread use of sex-selection tests
Haryana has the most depressing figures-the current sex ratio in
Haryana is 861 females per 1000 males, the lowest among the major states in
India. According to a UNFPA study, female foeticide has been the main cause of
the declining sex ratio in Haryana. A study conducted in states known for high
rates of abortion-Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh-revealed the impact of
sex-selective abortion in widening the gender gap. Interestingly, Punjab and
Haryana are two of the most economically prosperous states in India.
Table 1
Sex ratio among the states with
widespread use of sex determination tests
State
1991
2001
Punjab 875
793
Haryana 879
820
Gujarat
928 878
Maharashtra
946 917
Source: Census of India,
2001.
Initiatives taken by the State and
NGOs:
In response to a public interest petition, the Supreme Court
of India gave a directive on May 4, 2001 to all state governments to implement
the Prenatal Diagnostics Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act
promptly and effectively (enacted in 1994 and brought into operation from
January 1, 1996). According to this directive, all bodies under the PNDT Act,
namely genetic counselling centres, genetic laboratories and genetic clinics,
cannot function unless registered (2). The Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques
(Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 2003 specifically prohibits the use of new
technology for the purpose of sex selection (4). The Municipal Corporation of
Mumbai has initiated a drive against unauthorised determination of the sex of
the foetus. All sonography centres are required to register themselves with the
appropriate authority and must display a message that under no circumstances
will the sex of the foetus be disclosed. The Indian Medical Association and the
Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India too have
condemned sex-selective abortions and abuse of NRTs for sex selection.
We have to change the mindset of doctors and their clients and
create a sociocultural milieu that is conducive for survival of the girl child.
Then only will we be able to halt the declining sex ratio.
References
1. Patel V. Girl child: an endangered
species? In: Kripal V(ed). The girl child in 20th century Indian literature. New
Delhi: Sterling Publications, 1992;9.
2. Handbook on PNDT Act, 1994.
Department of Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi,
2002.
3. Kamdar S. Sex selection law tightened. The Times of India June
6, 2003.
VIBHUTI PATEL, Reader, Centre
For Women's Studies, Department Of Economics, University Of Mumbai. E-Mail:
Vibhuti@Vsnl.Com
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