Female foeticide is a horrific and illegal practice that has got to be stopped. The way to do this is by implementation of stronger laws and bringing about a change in the mind-set of our countrymen – uphill tasks, but absolutely crucial nevertheless.
2. This process began in the early 1990’s when ultrasound techniques
gained widespread use in India. The Government initially supported
the practice in order to control population growth. The Preconception
and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was passed in 1994,
making sex-selective abortion illegal. It was then modified in 2003
holding medical professionals legally responsible. However the
PCPNDT Act has been poorly enforced by authorities.
SAVE THE GIRL
SAVE THE NATION
3. Female feticide has
also led to an
increase in human
trafficking.
In 2011, 15,000 Indian
Women were bought
and sold as brides in
areas where feticide
has led to a lack of
women.
4. Increasing awareness of the
problem has led to multiple
campaigns by celebrities and
journalists to combat sex-selective
abortions. Amir Khan devoted an
episode of his show Satyamev
Jayate to raising awareness of the
issue. A sting operation by two
journalists, revealing hundreds of
doctors were complicit in this
illegal act. The trial of these
doctors is currently underway in
Rajasthan circa 2012.
5. Lakhanpal, a small village
in Punjab has turned the tide,
with 1,400 girls for every 1000
boys. Arvind Kumar, an official in
the Hyderabad district enforced
the PCPNDT Act after taking
over in 2004. He investigated all
389 diagnostic clinics in the city
and took action. 361 ultrasound
scan centers were issued notices
for non-compliance with the
PCPNDT Act and the licenses of
91 centers were cancelled.
