'The more we change, the more we remain the same': female feticide continues unabated in India

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Nov 23:2017:bcr2017220456. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220456.

Abstract

In North India, preference for sons has been blamed for repeated incidents of female feticide, despite the legislation in the form of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 2002. We describe how a team of local private doctors offer package deals to pregnant women and their families in rural areas. The fetal sex is determined at night using a portable ultrasonography machine.If the fetus is a girl, an immediate induced abortion is offered in the clients' home. If complications arise, women are advised to attend hospital. Such a patient visited us with a history of bleeding per vagina following incomplete induced abortion. This case study highlights the fact that female feticide continues to occur in India.

Keywords: abortion; global health; healthcare improvement and patient safety; medical education; medical management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Incomplete / diagnosis
  • Abortion, Incomplete / etiology
  • Abortion, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Abortion, Induced / methods*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • India
  • Pregnancy
  • Private Practice
  • Rural Health Services
  • Sex Determination Analysis / methods*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology*