SURVEY ON FEMALE FOETICIDE IN INDIA

MASTER OF COMMERCE
ACCOUNTANCY
SEMESTER III
(2016-17)

SUBMITTED BY:
AKSHATA RAVINDRA GAWAND
ROLL NO.7
GUIDE NAME :
Prof. Dr. P MURUGESAN

VIVEKANAND EDUCATION SOCIETYS

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCe
Sindhi Society, Chembur , Mumbai- 400071.

SURVEY ON FEMALE FOETICIDE IN INDIA

MASTER OF COMMERCE
ACCOUNTANCY
SEMESTER III
Submitted
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements
For the Award of the Degree of
Master of Commerce
By
AKSHATA . R . GAWAND
7
VIVEKANAND EDUCATION SOCIETYS COLLEGE OF
ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE
Sindhi Society, Chembur, Mumbai- 400071.

VIVEKANAND EDUCATION SOCIETYS

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE
Sindhi Society, Chembur, Mumbai- 400071

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Shri/Miss Akshata Ravindra
Gawand M.Com. Accountancy Semester III (2016-17) has
successfully completed the Survey on Female Foeticide in
India under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Murugesan.

Course Coordinator

Principal

Project Guide/ Internal Examiner

External Examiner

DECLARATION

I, Akshata Ravindra Gawand , the student of M. Com.

(Accountancy) Semester III (2016-17) hereby declare that I have
completed this Survey on Female Foeticide in India.
The information submitted is true and original to the best of my
knowledge.

_____________________
Students Signature
Akshata Gawand
7

Acknowledgement

First of all immensely and wholeheartedly I thank God and also my parents for
giving me this opportunity for successful completion of my project work . Also I
thank the management for giving us a chance for doing this course. I wish to
express my sincere thanks to all my teachers, for the continuous and creative ideas,
given during my studies and also for this project .I am deeply indebted to my
mentor,

my

guide and

my

respected

teacher

Mr.

Prof.

Dr.

P.

Murugesan , for his patience, valuable inputs, motivations toperform more better a
nd his instincts support without which the
project work would not have completed .I am extremely indebted to the internet
technology for the valuable help rendered to me by providing the necessary
materials and support needed for the preparation of this project work.

Research Methodology

The required data is collected only from secondary sources.

Secondary Sources :
Secondary data is a data which is collected and complied for
different purpose, which is used in research for the study. The secondary
data includes material collected from internet, newspaper, books and
magazines.

Executive Summary

Female foeticide in India is the abortion of a female foetus outside of

legal channels. It occurs in India for assumed cultural reasons that span centuries.
The frequency of female foeticide in India is assumed to be an estimation derived
from its high birth sex ratio, that is the ratio of boys to girls at birth. Female
foeticide

has

been

linked

to

the

arrival,

in

the

early

1990s,

of

affordable ultrasound technology and its widespread adoption in India. Obstetric

ultrasonography, either transvaginally or transabdominally, checks for various
markers of fetal sex. It can be performed at or after week 12 of pregnancy. At this
point, 34 of fetal sexes can be correctly determined, according to a 2001
study. Accuracy for males is approximately 50% and for females almost 100%.
When performed after week 13 of pregnancy, ultrasonography gives an accurate
result in almost 100% of cases. Ultrasound technology arrived in China and

India in 1979, but its expansion was slower in India. Ultrasound sex
discernment technologies were first introduced in major cities of India in
1980s, its use expanded in India's urban regions in 1990s, and became
widespread in 2000s. Female foeticide is in practice in India from the
time of advent of technological advancements in medical field like
prenatal sex determination in the 1990s. However, earlier to this, female
childs were killing after their birth in many regions of the country. In the
Indian society, female childs are considered as the social and economic
7

burden to their parents so they understand that it is better to kill them

before birth.

CONTENT
Sr.No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Topic
Introduction
Reasons for female foeticide
Cultural preference
Long term consequences
Objective of study
Research Methodology
Contents
Limitations of study
Laws and Regulations
Review of Literature
Methods of Data collection
Pro-Forma of Questionnaire
Conclusion
Bibliography

Introduction
Female foeticide in India is the abortion of a female foetus outside of legal
channels. It occurs in India for assumed cultural reasons that span centuries.
The frequency of female foeticide in India is assumed to be an estimation derived
from its high birth sex ratio, that is the ratio of boys to girls at birth. The natural
ratio is assumed to be between 103 and 107, and any number above it is considered
as suggestive of female foeticide. According to the decennial Indian census, the sex
ratio in the 0 to 6 age group in India has risen from 102.4 males per 100 females in
1961, to 104.2 in 1980, to 107.5 in 2001, to 108.9 in 2011.
The child sex ratio is within the normal natural range in all eastern and southern
states of India, but significantly higher in certain western and particularly
northwestern statessuch as Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir (118, 120
and 116, as of 2011, respectively). The western states of Maharashtra and
Rajasthan 2011 census found a child sex ratio of 113, Gujarat at 112 and Uttar
Pradesh at 111.
9

The Indian census data suggests there is a positive correlation between abnormal
sex ratio and better socio-economic status and literacy. This may be connected to
the dowry system in India where dowry deaths occur when a girl is seen as a
financial burden. Urban India has higher child sex ratio than rural India according
to 1991, 2001 and 2011 Census data, implying higher prevalence of female
foeticide in urban India. Similarly, child sex ratio greater than 115 boys per 100
girls is found in regions where the predominant majority is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or
Christian; furthermore "normal" child sex ratio of 104 to 106 boys per 100 girls are
also found in regions where the predominant majority is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or
Christian. These data contradict any hypotheses that may suggest that sex selection
is an archaic practice which takes place among uneducated, poor sections or
particular religion of the Indian society.
There is an ongoing debate as to whether these high sex ratios are only caused by
female foeticide or some of the higher ratio is explained by natural causes. The
Indian government has passed Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic
Techniques Act (PCPNDT) in 1994 to ban and punish prenatal sex screening and
female foeticide. It is currently illegal in India to determine or disclose sex of the
foetus to anyone. However, there are concerns that PCPNDT Act has been poorly
enforced by authorities.

Reasons for female foeticide

Various theories have been proposed as possible reasons for sex-selective abortion.
Culture is favored by some researchers,while some favor disparate gender-biased
access to resources.Some demographers question whether sex-selective abortion or
infanticide claims are accurate, because underreporting of female births may also
explain high sex ratios. Natural reasons may also explain some of the abnormal sex
10

ratios. Klasen and Wink suggest India and Chinas high sex ratios are primarily the
result of sex-selective abortion.
Some more reasons for female foeticide are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sex Discrimination
Dowry
Poverty
Illiteracy
Women are viewed as a liability.

Cultural preference
One school of scholars suggest that female foeticide can be seen through history
and cultural background. Generally, male babies were preferred because they
provided manual labor and success the family lineage. The selective abortion of
female fetuses is most common in areas where cultural norms value male children
over female children for a variety of social and economic reasons. A son is often
preferred as an "asset" since he can earn and support the family; a daughter is a
"liability" since she will be married off to another family, and so will not contribute
financially to her parents. Female foeticide then, is a continuation in a different
form, of a practice of female infanticide or withholding of postnatal health care for
girls in certain households. Furthermore, in some cultures sons are expected to take
care of their parents in their old age. These factors are complicated by the effect of
diseases on child sex ratio, where communicable and noncommunicable diseases
affect males and females differently.

11

The Long-Term Consequences of Aborting Female Fetuses

As Newtons Third Law of Motion states, "For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction." The after-effects of the genocide of female feticide are farreaching. Blinded by their desire for male children, the majority of parents are
ignorant of the disaster they unwittingly invite by indulging in female feticide.

Skewed Sex Ratio: In India, the number of girls is declining with each
passing decade. From 962 and 945 girls for every 1000 boys in the years 1981
and 1991 respectively, the ratio plummeted to a low of 914 girls born for 1000
boys in 2011. In China, the ratio is an alarming 100 girls for 118 boys (or 848
girls for 1000 boys). These are just two examples of nations trapped in vicious
abortion cycles, but there are many other countries struggling with skewed sex
ratios, as well. See below for more statistics from other countries.

Female/Women Trafficking: The steep decline in the number of girls

makes them scarce for the teaming number of males eligible for marriage. As a
result, illegal trafficking of women has become commonplace in many regions.
Women, often young girls whove just crossed the threshold of puberty, are
compelled to marry. Many young girls are kidnapped from their parents and
sold to the highest bidder. Child marriages and pregnancies have a devastating
consequence. When a region participates in the trade of its female population,
the present and future psychological cost is alarming.

Increase in Rape and Assault: Once women become an endangered

species, the instances of rape, assault, and violence become widespread. When
12

there are fewer available females, the surviving ones will be faced with the
reality of handling a society driven by a testosterone high. The legal system
may offer protection and, as is the situation today, many crimes may not ever
surface for fear of isolation, humiliation, and punishment on the girls part.

Population Decline: With no mothers to bear children (male or female),

there will be fewer births, leading to a decline in population. Though
population control is currently the goal of many nations like China and India, a
total wipeout of one sex is not the way to achieve this target

Objective of study
Even though there is much legislation in existence, which ultimately aims at
prevention of female foeticide, but it has proved to be ineffective since many
decades. The issue of female foeticide is the prime matter for concern in our
society today and this conclusion can be drawn from the statistic analysis of female
foeticide taking place each year. In our civilized world we are talking about equal
opportunities and equality in all spheres, then why there is no equality in the right
to take birth? Taking into consideration the various problems relating to female
foeticide, a study is required to analyse the numerous reasons for practicing the
evil custom female foeticide. There is a need to eradicate the social evil of female
foeticide and mere legislation is not enough to deal with a problem that has roots in
social behavior.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
POPULATION: The college students in Chembur area.
SAMPLE SIZE: The survey consisted of a sample of 30 students.
13

 RESEARCH DESIGN: This study has followed largely the Descriptive

TECHNIQUE USED DATA COLLECT

Instrument:

a structured

questionnaire is used and types of questionnaire is target questionnaire

METHOD: The research was conducted by using contact method through
questionnaire the information was collected from Students.

Contents
Chapter 1 : Introduction Chapter
This chapter presents the meaning, definition and concept of female
foeticide in India. This chapter presents the need and importance of the
study, the objectives, scope of the study, the period of the study,
methodology adopted chapterisation and limitations of the study.

Chapter-II Review of Literature

This chapter contain introduction on Female Foeticide, Peculiar Features Of
Absenteeism Types of Absenteeism in organization Causes of Absenteeism
Impact of absenteeism on organization Controlling and Preventing
Employee Absenteeism Why measure absenteeism? How to measure
absenteeism? Measures to Minimize Absenteeism

Chapter-III Collection of Data

This chapter contains Scope of the Study, Research Design and
questionnaire.

Limitations of the Study

14

However data is collected with full level of our efforts, yet there remain some
flaws in our study. While doing research, many problems are there to be faced by
the researcher. The prime difficulties which are been faced in collection of data in
this study are discussed below:
1. Short time period: The time period for carrying out the research was
short as a result of which many facts have been left unexplored.
Due to time constraints the sample size was restricted to 30 students.
2. Lack of resources: Lack of time and other resources as it was not possible
to conduct survey at large level.
Small number of respondents 100 students responded. Larger number of
respondents could have made results more significant.
3. Unwillingness of respondents: During collection of the data many
students were unwilling to fill the questionnaire due to lack of time. Respondents
were having a feeling of wastage of time for them.

Laws and regulations

A sign in an Indian hospital stating that prenatal sex determination is a crime.
India passed its first abortion-related law, the so-called Medical Termination of
Pregnancy Act of 1971, making abortion legal in most states, but specified legally
acceptable reasons for abortion such as medical risk to mother and rape. The law
also established physicians who can legally provide the procedure and the facilities
where abortions can be performed, but did not anticipate female foeticide based on
technology advances. With increasing availability of sex screening technologies in
India through the 1980s in urban India, and claims of its misuse, the Government
of India passed the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT) in 1994. This law
15

was further amended into the Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques
(Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) (PCPNDT) Act in 2004 to deter and punish
prenatal sex screening and female foeticide. However, there are concerns that
PCPNDT Act has been poorly enforced by authorities.
The impact of Indian laws on female foeticide and its enforcement is
unclear. United Nations Population Fund and India's National Human Rights
Commission, in 2009, asked the Government of India to assess the impact of the
law. The Public Health Foundation of India, an premier research organization in its
2010 report, claimed a lack of awareness about the Act in parts of India, inactive
role of the Appropriate Authorities, ambiguity among some clinics that offer
prenatal care services, and the role of a few medical practitioners in disregarding
the law. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India has targeted education
and media advertisements to reach clinics and medical professionals to increase
awareness. The Indian Medical Association has undertaken efforts to prevent
prenatal sex selection by giving its members Beti Bachao (save the daughter)
badges during its meetings and conferences. However, a recent study by Nandi and
Deolalikar (2013) argues that the 1994 PNDT Act may have had a small impact by
preventing 106,000 female foeticides over one decade.
According to a 2007 study by MacPherson, prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act
(PCPNDT Act) was highly publicized by NGOs and the government. Many of the
ads used depicted abortion as violent, creating fear of abortion itself within the
population. The ads focused on the religious and moral shame associated with
abortion. MacPherson claims this media campaign was not effective because some
perceived this as an attack on their character, leading to many becoming closed off,
rather than opening a dialogue about the issue.[25] This emphasis on morality,
16

claims MacPherson, increased fear and shame associated with all abortions,
leading to an increase in unsafe abortions in India.[25]
The government of India, in a 2011 report, has begun better educating all
stakeholders about its MTP and PCPNDT laws. In its communication campaigns, it
is clearing up public misconceptions by emphasizing that sex determination is
illegal, but abortion is legal for certain medical conditions in India. The
government is also supporting implementation of programs and initiatives that seek
to reduce gender discrimination, including media campaign to address the
underlying social causes of sex selection.[6][35]
Given the dismal Child Sex Ratio in the country, and the Supreme Court directive
of 2003 to State governments to enforce the law banning the use of sex
determination technologies, the Ministry set up a National Inspection and
Monitoring Committee (NIMC) in October last. Dr. Rattan Chand, Director
(PNDT) was made the convenor of the NIMC. The NIMC under the guidance of
Dr. Rattan Chand conducted raids in some of the districts in Maharashtra, Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat. In April, it conducted raids on
three clinics in Delhi. In its reports sent to the Chief Secretaries of the respective
States, the committee observed that the Authorities had failed to monitor or
supervise the registered clinics.
Other recent policy initiatives adopted by many states of India, claims
Guilmoto, attempt to address the assumed economic disadvantage of girls by
offering support to girls and their parents. These policies provide conditional cash
transfer and scholarships only available to girls, where payments to a girl and her
parents are linked to each stage of her life, such as when she is born, completion of
her childhood immunization, her joining school at grade 1, her completing school
17

grades 6, 9 and 12, her marriage past age 21. Some states are offering higher
pension benefits to parents who raise one or two girls. Different states of India
have been experimenting with various innovations in their girl-driven welfare
policies. For example, the state of Delhi adopted a pro-girl policy initiative (locally
called Laadli scheme), which initial data suggests may be lowering the birth sex
ratio in the state.

Response from others

Increasing awareness of the problem has led to multiple campaigns by celebrities
and journalists to combat sex-selective abortions. Aamir Khan devoted the first
episode "Daughters Are Precious" of his show Satyamev Jayate to raise awareness
of this widespread practice, focusing primarily on Western Rajasthan, which is
known to be one of the areas where this practice is common. Its sex ratio dropped
to 883 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011 from 901 girls to 1000 boys in 2001. Rapid
response was shown by local government in Rajasthan after the airing of this show,
showing the effect of media and nationwide awareness on the issue. A vow was
made by officials to set up fast-track courts to punish those who practice sex-based
abortion. They cancelled the licences of six sonography centres and issued notices
to over 20 others.
This has been done on the smaller scale. Cultural intervention has been addressed
through theatre. Plays such as 'Pacha Mannu', which is about female
infanticide/foeticide, has been produced by a women's theatre group in Tamil
Nadu. This play was showing mostly in communities that practice female
infanticide/foeticide and has led to a redefinition of a methodology of

18

consciousness raising, opening up varied ways of understanding and subverting

cultural expressions.
The Mumbai High Court ruled that prenatal sex determination implied female
foeticide. Sex determination violated a woman's right to live and was against
India's Constitution.
The Beti Bachao, or Save girls campaign, has been underway in many Indian
communities since the early 2000s. The campaign uses the media to raise
awareness of the gender disparities creating, and resulting from, sex-selective
abortion. Beti Bachao activities include rallies, posters, short videos and television
commercials, some of which are sponsored by state and local governments and
other organisations. Many celebrities in India have publicly supported the Beti
Bachao campaign.

Results of Youth
Out of 30 people, most of were of aware of female feticide. Main source of
information was newspaper, internet. Majority of them felt that discrimination
between boys and girls is prevalent in the society. Regarding perception curbing
this social evil, they were of view that awareness among the masses is the solution
to stop this practice, while half of them responded that equal status to girls will
stop this practice of female feticide. They had optimum level of awareness about
female feticide and almost all of them strongly felt that this harmful practice
should be stopped altogether.

19

CAUSES OF FEMALE FOETICIDE WHY DO THEY DO THIS?

Female foeticide is a pressing issue which calls to be addressed at once.
However, to get to the root of this issue, it is essential to understand the causes
behind it. In India, however, there isnt actually a need to investigate into the
problem much. We dont need to delve into any lengthy and detailed investigation
or case study. The issue lies right on top, in front of our eyes in fact, it is a very
part of our lives.
One of the simplest and most obvious causes is a preference for the male child. Its
simple couples prefer a male child over a female one. Reasons? Plenty. The root
lies in our very own traditions, customs, beliefs and above all, our thinking. It is a
general perception that the birth of a male child is beneficial and advantageous to
the family. A male in the family is traditionally considered to be a source source
of money, source of respect, source of name and fame. A man is expected to work
and earn for his family in the process repaying all that was cost to bring him up.
A woman is considered a financial obligation, as money spent on bringing her up,
educating her, marrying her will not be repaid as she will go to her husbands
house after marriage, and the benefits of all that investment shall go to his family.
As Justice YK Sabharwal, Chief Justice of India, rightly says (in his speech about
Eradication of Female Foeticide, delivered in Patiala on December 17, 2006), that
Investing in a daughter they say is like watering your neighbours lawn. A boy
shall grow up to be the head of the family, and he shall offer a sense of security to
his aging parents take care of them, serve them and take over the responsibility
of running the family. He shall also continue the name of the family (whereas, the
girl shall take up her husbands last name). A male is considered to be a producer,
whereas a female is considered to be a consumer. All this is mainly due to the
20

patriarchal form of the Indian society. One simple assumption that can be made is
that this preference is based on the form of society and families, a couple of
decades back. Back then, a male was expected to work and earn, whereas a female
was supposed to sit at home, cook, and manage the house and children. This made
a male child desirable, as he was, then, the only source of income and respect. This
system was abolished today, females work nearly as much as men but
the thinking remained unchanged.
Another major cause and arguably the most prominent one is the age-old dowry
system. Dowry is the money, goods and/or property a woman brings into a
marriage. It is basically a payment done by the brides family to the grooms family
during marriage. Reasons for dowry include provision of base funds for the
husband to start a new family, establish his household and to feed and protect the
family. Another reason is to support the woman and her children, if the husband
were to die especially since women have a better average life-expectancy than
men. However, in most cases, dowry is seen to be payment to the grooms family,
for accepting the woman, and for taking responsibility for her there on.
Dowry is very common in South-Asian countries like India. In India, expected
dowries are huge hundreds of thousands in cash, car(s), some property. It is well
beyond the capacity of many families to afford this, especially in rural areas (where
the expectancy remains the same). Dowry is illegal in India, but this has not
stopped families all over the nation from giving (trying) and accepting it. Also, in
most cases, the brides family is expected to arrange and sponsor the wedding
and Indian wedding are rightly nicknamed: Big-Fat-Indian-Wedding, pointing to
the immense amount of effort, money, and glamour put in. Therefore, the birth of a
female child indicates huge amounts of expenditure later in her life, when she shall
be married which incidentally, is considered the most important time of a
21

womans life. Couples do not wish to have such financial burdens on them loans
and debts, for example: which most dowries force which is why they do not want
a girl, to spare them from such huge monetary requirements. This is prevalent to
such an extent, that many small clinics that perform illegal sex-determination tests
and help couples abort female foetuses, advertise using the slogan, 500 now, or
5,00,000 later the former indicating the price of an abortion, and the latter that
of the dowry.
Another reason for the unwanted status of the female child is the burden on her
parents regarding her safety. Incidences of girls subjected to rape, molesting,
sexual abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, etc. are growing every day, and
parents dont want to risk their girl childs safety (with a male child, such things
arent a worry).
There are a couple of other minor reasons, such as the higher rate of migration
(studying and/or living abroad) in men than women (a child studying abroad is a
matter of pride for parents, traditionally), and the responsibility of parents to
ensure the untouched and clean status of a girl before marriage and that to instil
in her the right attitudes, and to teach her to be a good wife and to please her inlaws, failing which, the parents are blamed. However, these are the major and most
prevalent reasons for female foeticide in the Indian society, today.
A commonly suggested reason is illiteracy. It is assumed that people are illiterate
and not educated, and hence they commit this heinous act. However, logical as it
may sound, this cannot be safely established. Numbers tell us that, this practice of
female foeticide is equally prevalent, if not more, in urban parts of India (which
host the so called rich and upper class people) as in rural areas. Clinics are

22

flocked in huge numbers in urban areas, to facilitate the facility of illegal sex
determination. How can one then point the finger at illiteracy?
It is also argued, that some of this has bases in religion too. For example, according
to Hindu scriptures, it is a male wholl light the funeral pyre of his dead parent(s).
However, this does not explain the cause for this foeticide. No Hindu scripture or
religious text asks to kill a female child or foetus. On the other hand, Hindu books,
Rig Veda, for example, hold women in a much respected light. Many women, in
these texts, were highly regarded and respected. It is unjustified and unfair to point
a finger at religion as a cause for female foeticide, for it our (mis)interpretations
and understandings that are at fault.
Another shocking fact is that doctors use the trust placed upon them for their own
benefits. Knowing that the couple will abort the foetus if it is female, the doctors
proclaim a female foetus even if the tests show a male foetus to avail the extra
fee they receive for abortion.
Understanding these reasons behind this practice of female foeticide, it is evident
that the change has to be in the thinking and mentality of the people, and also the
laws of our country to abolish and eradicate immoral and unjustified customs like
dowry. These reasons have to be addressed immediately, if any change and
improvement is desired it cannot be expected that female foeticide be stopped
without changing anything else. Major and instantaneous changes are required in
the way our country and its people basically function. Only then can we think
about bringing about a change, and making India a better and safer nation for the
fairer sex.

23

Magnitude of the problem.

Every year more than 10 million female foetuses are illegally being aborted
in India.
In Mumbai, out of 15,914 abortions performed during 1984, almost 100
percent were those of girl fetuses.
Even today out of the 12 million girls born in India, 1 million do not even
see their first birthday.

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

In the study the primary data was collected through structured questionnaire,
the questionnaire was prepared in such a way that it covers the entire objectives
of the study and Secondary data are those which are collected from the
magazines, booklets, etc.

Scope of the Study

The survey consisted of a sample of 30 employees.
The study covers employees of different organization

Research Design:
This study has followed largely the Descriptive model. Descriptive research is
used in surveys and fact finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose
of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs, as it exists at
present. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no
control over the variables.

Questionnaire:
Primary data was collected by the means of administering a questionnaire to the
respondents. In order to collect the primary data, questionnaire was used as the
research instrument. Questions were arranged in a logical manner. The

24

following are the types of questions used in the questionnaire - Close Ended
Questions, Multiple Choice Questions, and Open Ended Question.

Pro-forma of Questionnaire
Survey on Female Foeticide in India

Name : ___________________________

Age:______________

Sex:_________
Tick the appropriate option:
1. Are you aware of the female foeticide taking place in India?
a) Yes

b) No

2. Do you justify the Phenomenon?

a) Yes

b) No
25

3. According to you what is the main cause for female foeticide?

a) Poverty
b) Dowry
c) Girl child is considered as a burden
d) Pressure from family viz (i) Husband (ii)In-laws
4. Do you feel that the women also contribute to commission of female
foeticide?
a) Yes

b) No

5. Do you like to have a female child?

a) Yes

b) No

6. If you adopt a child whether you will prefer a girl or boy?

a) Yes

b) No

7. Do you agree that NGOs can play a very vital role in spreading awareness
about this issue?
a) Yes

b) No

8. Do you agree that Selective Killing should be stopped?

a) Yes

b) No

9. Would you like to have a female child?

a) Yes

b) No

10. What do you think why people prefer a male child?

a) Son is required to preserve the traditions and values of family.
b) Son will provide you with old age support.
c) Daughter is burden both socially and economically.
d) Any other reason.
11. Do you know that abortions affect the health of women?
26

a) Yes

b) No

12. Do you think that it is better to kill in the womb than to be ill-treated later?
a) Yes

b) No

13. Do you think that large scale abortions are taking place to eliminate female
foetus?
a) Yes

b) No

14. According to you, what is the reason for declining sex ratio.
a) Female Foeticide
c) Son preference

b) Female Infanticide
d) Any other reason

15. Do you agree with the view that Doctors play a vital role in this aspect?
(i.e money minded)
a) Yes

b) No

16. Do you have any suggestion?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Conclusion
This study reveals that the school students had optimum level of
awareness about female feticide and almost all of them strongly felt that this
harmful practice should be stopped altogether. Female foeticide is one
extreme manifestation of violence against women. Unfortunately, as Kerala
High Court Chief Justice KK Usha mentioned in a seminar that gender
specific law like MTP Act 1971 which aims at empowering women has been
grossly misused for female foeticide after carrying out legally banned pre27

natal sex determination tests to meet the desire of the family to have a male
child. Misuse of law, wrong implementation of law has added to the woe of
female foeticide. Firstly, it must be realized that even a full proof law is just
beginning of a struggle to curb notorious practice like female foeticide.
Female foeticide is a reflection of what happens when technologies are
misused. The only long term solution is to change the attitude. Government,
civil society and media should work hand in hand to combat this inhuman
practice. The society as a whole should ensure that the girl is safe, secure,
educated, economically and emotionally independent. Time has arrived to
declare a crusade against female foeticide, both on individual and collective
level to stop elimination of unborn daughters only because of their sex.

Bibliography
https://femalefoeticideinindia.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/causes-of-femalefoeticide/
https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/Female-Feticide-Causes-Effects-andSolutions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_foeticide_in_India
www.google.com
https://www.google.co.in/search?
q=female+foeticide&biw=1366&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&v
ed=0ahUKEwiCv_XvsrfPAhVMp48KHZNUDSwQ_AUIBigB

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