Story perspectives

13.5 Million Girls Lost: India Fights Sex-Selective Abortions

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sex-selective abortion remains significant in India despite prohibitions, as authorities struggle to dismantle illegal networks driven by a male-preference culture.
From 1987 to 2016, 13.5 million girls were lost to sex-selective abortions.
A Kanpur case highlights severe abuse, including forced abortions and dowry harassment.
Experts urge stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and better victim support.

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Story summary

Sex-selective abortion remains significant in India despite prohibitions, as authorities struggle to dismantle illegal networks driven by a male-preference culture.
From 1987 to 2016, 13.5 million girls were lost to sex-selective abortions.
A Kanpur case highlights severe abuse, including forced abortions and dowry harassment.
Experts urge stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and better victim support.