The recent call by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) president, Dr RV Asokan, to legalise prenatal gender detection tests has sparked a significant debate. While the intention behind this proposal is to address the skewed sex ratio in India, it is crucial to consider the potential repercussions of such a move in a patriarchal society where gender sensitisation is still in its infancy.
Legalising prenatal gender detection could inadvertently exacerbate the issue of female foeticide. Despite the existing ban under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act of 1994, female foeticide remains a grim reality in India. The cultural preference for male children, driven by deep-rooted patriarchal norms, continues to fuel this practice. Legalising gender detection could provide a legal cover for those seeking to abort female fetuses, thereby worsening the already skewed sex ratio.
Dr Asokan argues that legalisation, coupled with protective measures, could help ensure that unborn girls are carried to full term. However, this perspective overlooks the complexities of enforcement in a country where corruption and lack of stringent monitoring are pervasive. The current ban has not been entirely effective, but lifting it could lead to an increase in sex-selective abortions, as the societal preference for sons remains strong.
India’s journey towards gender equality is still in its early stages. Efforts to promote gender sensitisation through education and awareness campaigns are ongoing, but the impact is gradual. In such a context, legalising prenatal gender detection could undermine these efforts by reinforcing gender biases. It sends a message that the preference for male children is acceptable, potentially undoing years of progress in challenging these societal norms.
The high incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, further complicates the issue. Legalising gender detection in a society where women and girls are already vulnerable to violence could have dire consequences. It could lead to an increase in the number of female fetuses being aborted, as families may seek to avoid the perceived burden of raising a girl in a society where her safety and well-being are not guaranteed.
Addressing the skewed sex ratio requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond legalising gender detection. Strengthening the enforcement of existing laws, promoting gender equality through education, and challenging patriarchal norms are essential steps. Additionally, providing economic incentives for families with daughters and ensuring the safety and empowerment of women and girls can help shift societal attitudes.