Sex Selective Abortions in Rajasthan, India

Shalini Verma, Population Council
Hillary Bracken, Population Council
Batya Elul, Population Council

While family size preferences have declined in India, little, if any, change in preferred sex composition of children has been observed. Son preference continues to be deep-rooted and sex selective abortions are increasingly used to meet family size and sex preferences. This paper probes the context of abortion in Rajasthan, explores perceptions and experiences of sex selective abortions, and traces the pathways adopted in seeking the abortion. Data are drawn from an qualitative study and a large community-based survey. Preliminary findings confirm deeply embedded son preference. Wide gender disparities make a son - and even two - imperative to establish woman's status in her marital home. Familiarity with sex selective techniques is high. Even though abortion is perceived as sin and sex determination is banned, sex selective abortion is acceptable to ensure the preferred number and composition of children. These services appear widespread in urban areas and among formal providers.