Female Feticide: Human Rights Framework

Female feticide in India, the deliberate termination of female fetuses due to societal preference for male offspring, constitutes a grave violation of human rights, specifically as a form of gender-based violence. Rooted in patriarchal norms, economic burdens associated with daughters, and cultural practices such as dowry, female feticide reflects a systemic devaluation of women. Despite legal frameworks like the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits sex-selective abortions, the practice persists, revealing significant gaps in implementation and enforcement.

This paper examines female feticide through the lens of human rights, arguing that it constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to life, equality, and non-discrimination. These rights, protected under both national law and international conventions like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), are routinely undermined in India due to societal pressures and the misuse of medical technologies. The systematic elimination of female fetuses perpetuates gender-based violence by reinforcing the marginalization and oppression of women, beginning before birth.

The paper also discusses the long-term demographic consequences of skewed sex ratios, which have led to increased violence against women, trafficking, and social instability. A critical examination of grassroots interventions and policy reforms highlights the need for stronger legal enforcement, community-based awareness campaigns, and gender-sensitive education to challenge entrenched patriarchal values. By framing female feticide as a form of gender-based violence, this paper advocates for a more robust human rights approach to address the crisis.