On May 24th of this year, the New York Times reported the increase of sex-selective abortions in India.
However, Plan International is determining to stop the ever increasing practice, which is commonly refered to as the Missing Girl Crisis.
The New York Times reported:
“The study found the problem of sex-selective abortions of girls has spread steadily across India after once being confined largely to a handful of conservative northern states. Researchers also found that women from higher-income, better-educated families were far more likely than poorer women to abort a girl, especially during a second pregnancy if the firstborn was a girl.”
In a press release, Plan International released several figures that back up the New York Times report.
Plan International states:
“The ratio of girls to boys has dropped to an all time low since records began. Today, the national figure has fallen to an alarming 914 girls for every 1,000 boys. In some states like Punjab that ratio is as low as 846 girls to 1,000 boys.”
The Indian Government has created laws that outlaw the use of ultrasound technology for sex-selective abortions; however, Plan International believes that the practice is still resulting in more than 500,000 female fetuses being terminated every year.
The charitable organization plans to raise awareness about this practice through several campaigns, two of them being Because I am a Girl and Let Girls be Born.
Because I am a Girl is a global campaign for girl’s rights, while the Let Girls be Born is a campaign to specifically target the Missing girl crisis in India.
India Remains Challenging for Girls
In regards to this disturbing trend, Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director of Plan India said:
"We are the world's most rapidly growing nation, yet among the most challenging for girls. Plan has been working in India for the last three decades and survival rights of girls have been a key focus of our community development work. With 'Let Girls be Born' we hope to reach out to people to make them realize the consequences of the declining sex ratio, and encourage them to be active in celebrating girls."
To further raise awareness, On October 31, the day when the global population is projected to pass 7 billion, Plan International, along with the Indian government, will issue a birth certificate to a girl born in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh during a public function.
The newborn will also be awarded the title of "Baby 7 Billion."
Dennis Dufrene is the resident historian and technical writer. With this background, Dennis brings insight and accuracy to the stories published here at Top Secret Writers. Dennis has 314 post(s) at Top Secret Writers
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