A case study of female foeticide in Jammu and Kashmir

Female foeticide is the act of aborting a fetus because it is female. This is a major social problem in India and has cultural connections with the dowry system that is ingrained in Indian culture, despise the fact that it has been prohibited by law since 1961. Social discrimination against women and a preference for sons have been promoted. It is estimated that more than 10 million female fetuses have been illegally aborted in India. Researchers for the Lancet journal based in Canada and India stated that 500,000 girls were being lost annually through sex-selective abortions. Female feticide has 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. Jammu and Kashmir State of northern India -has dwindled from 900 in 2001 to 883 in 2011. In northern India too, the daughters have been considered a burden and a liability in the society. Killing the brides for want of dowry is a common incident. So the birth of a girl child is an ill omen for the family. The reasons for high number of incidence of female foeticide in India espically in Jammu and Kashmir include a deep rooted traditional son preference, continued practice of dowry and concern for safety of the girl child and exploitation and abuse of women and girl children. Some facts related to the female foeticide are due to the biased attitude which is meted out to the women. Inadequate education is also its main cause. Female Foeticide is one of the gravest issues of the 21st century which needs to be addressed and tackled effectively by the human fraternity. Unless paid attention, Female Foeticide, if being carried on at the existing rate, is bound to bring forth several social problems in the near future. Owing to shortage of the female sex, there will be a sharp increase in the instances of rape, molestations and growth of homosexuality in the society. For the growth and development of mankind and the progress of humanity, men and women cannot be in conflict with one another; rather they are sought to be in coordination and cooperation with one another, for they are incomplete alone. Saving the girl child hence becomes absolutely important as in the long run man cannot strive alone. Being the civilized citizens, it is our duty to raise voice against the declining sex ratio and killing of girl child. Being a woman it is our primary duty as well as concern to come forward to stop this menace.