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. 2016 Jan-Mar;33(1):E7-E15.
doi: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000244.

India's Distorted Sex Ratio: Dire Consequences for Girls

Lisa R Roberts  1 , Susanne B Montgomery  2
Affiliations

India's Distorted Sex Ratio: Dire Consequences for Girls

Lisa R Roberts et al. J Christ Nurs. 2016 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Female gender discrimination related to cultural preference for males is a common global problem, especially in Asian countries. Numerous laws intended to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender have been passed in India, yet the distorted female-to-male sex ratio seems to show worsening tendencies. Using detailed, two-year longitudinal chart abstraction data about delivery records of a private mission hospital in rural India, we explored if hospital birth ratio data differed in comparison to regional data, and what demographic and contextual variables may have influenced these outcomes. Using quantitative chart abstraction and qualitative contextual data, study results showed the female-to-male ratio was lower than the reported state ratio at birth. In the context of India's patriarchal structure, with its strong son preference, women are under tremendous pressure or coerced to access community-based, sex-selective identification and female fetus abortion. Nurses may be key to turning the tide.

Keywords: India; feticide; gender discrimination; nursing; prenatal sex identification; selective abortion; sex ratio.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Twelve-Year Trend of Female-to-Male Sex Ratio at Birth at 100-Bed, Rural Mission Hospital in India*
*Ratio calculated on the number of females per 1,000 males
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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