Unbalancing The Ratio: Exploring Female Feticide Through A Socio-Demographic Lens In Nagaur District, Rajasthan

Abstract

Female feticide refers to the practice of determining the sex of an unborn child and terminating the pregnancy if the fetus is female. Even though this act is illegal in India, it is still carried out in many places. In addition to this, some communities engage in female infanticide, which involves killing a girl child after birth. This disturbing reality is reflected in the Census of India 2001, which reported that there were only 933 females for every 1000 males in the country. Further, Census 2011 data revealed a continuous decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), defined as the number of girls per 1000 boys in the age group of 0–6 years. The CSR dropped to a historic low of 918 in 2011, compared[1] to 976 in 1961. This declining trend indicates that girls are being denied not only their fundamental human rights but also their basic right to life. To address this issue, the Government of India enacted the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, which bans sex selection before and after conception. The Act aims to curb female feticide and regulate the use of prenatal diagnostic methods for detecting genetic and metabolic disorders and other medical conditions.

“Female feticide”, a critical concern in India, persists in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. This study investigates the prevalence, causes, and consequences of “Female feticide” in Nagaur, using mixed-methods research. Quantitative analysis of district-level data and qualitative insights from interviews with healthcare providers, community members, and stakeholders reveal a complex interplay of factors. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to combat this issue.