Q3(b). What is female foeticide? Explain its consequences on population.

Female foeticide refers to the sex-selective abortion of a female fetus, driven by gender bias, dowry expectations, patriarchal norms, and preference for male heirs. Despite the PCPNDT Act (1994), it persists in pockets across India.

Consequences on Population

1. Declining Sex Ratio

NFHS-5 shows a sex ratio at birth of 929 girls per 1000 boys, revealing continued gender bias. States like Haryana historically witnessed extreme imbalances, though recent schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao improved the ratio.

2. Marriage Squeeze

Severe shortage of women leads to increased bachelorhood, trafficking of women, and polyandry in some regions.

3. Social Instability

Gender imbalance fuels violence against women, crime, and social unrest.

4. Economic Implications

Reduced female workforce participation limits demographic dividend and weakens national growth potential.

Female foeticide undermines gender equality, destabilizes society, and weakens India’s future human capital.