Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Female foeticide, the abortion of a foetus based on its sex, is a stark manifestation of deeply entrenched gender discrimination. Rooted in patriarchal societal norms and a preference for sons, this practice represents a grave violation of human rights and a distortion of natural justice. While legally prohibited in India under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, the practice persists, fueled by factors like declining sex ratios and the continued societal devaluation of women. Evaluating this issue requires a nuanced understanding of its philosophical underpinnings and its devastating consequences for individuals and society.
Understanding Gender Discrimination and Female Foeticide
Gender discrimination, at its core, is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on their gender. This discrimination manifests in various forms, including unequal access to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation. Female foeticide is an extreme form of this discrimination, representing a pre-emptive denial of the right to life based solely on sex. It’s a direct consequence of son preference, often linked to socio-economic factors like inheritance laws, dowry systems, and the perceived role of sons in providing economic and social security.
Philosophical Evaluation of Female Foeticide
Utilitarian Perspective
From a utilitarian perspective, female foeticide is unequivocally wrong. Utilitarianism, which advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering, finds no justification for eliminating potential lives. The loss of a female life diminishes overall societal well-being, even if it’s believed to bring happiness to the family desiring a son. Furthermore, the skewed sex ratio resulting from widespread female foeticide creates social instability and potential for conflict, further reducing overall happiness.
Rights-Based Perspective
A rights-based approach, grounded in the principles of human dignity and equality, condemns female foeticide as a violation of fundamental rights. Every individual, regardless of sex, has an inherent right to life. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) affirms this right. Female foeticide directly contravenes this right, treating female foetuses as less valuable than male foetuses. The PCPNDT Act, 1994, is a legislative attempt to uphold this right, though its implementation remains a challenge.
Virtue Ethics Perspective
Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent and the cultivation of virtues like compassion, justice, and respect. Female foeticide demonstrates a lack of these virtues. It reflects a societal preference for certain traits (associated with sons) over others (associated with daughters), indicating a deficiency in the virtues of equality and respect for all human beings. A virtuous society would value all its members equally, regardless of their sex.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Roots
The persistence of female foeticide is deeply intertwined with socio-economic and cultural factors:
- Patriarchal Norms: Deeply ingrained societal norms that prioritize male offspring.
- Dowry System: The practice of dowry, where the bride’s family is expected to provide gifts and money to the groom’s family, creates a financial burden and contributes to the devaluation of daughters.
- Inheritance Laws: Historically, unequal inheritance laws have favored sons, reinforcing their economic importance.
- Son Preference: The belief that sons are essential for carrying on the family name, performing religious rituals, and providing old-age security.
- Accessibility of Technology: The misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques, despite legal restrictions, allows for sex determination and subsequent selective abortions.
Addressing the Issue: A Multi-pronged Approach
Combating female foeticide requires a comprehensive strategy:
- Strict Enforcement of PCPNDT Act: Strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, 1994, and punishing those involved in illegal sex determination and abortions.
- Raising Awareness: Conducting widespread awareness campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms and promote the value of daughters.
- Empowering Women: Investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women to enhance their social and economic status.
- Changing Social Attitudes: Promoting positive role models of successful women and challenging gender stereotypes.
- Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: Reducing poverty and improving access to healthcare and education for all.
| Act/Policy | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| PCPNDT Act | 1994 | Prohibits sex selection before or after conception and regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques. |
| Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao | 2015 | A national campaign to save the girl child and empower her through education. |
Conclusion
Female foeticide is a deeply unethical practice rooted in systemic gender discrimination. Evaluating it through philosophical lenses like utilitarianism, rights-based ethics, and virtue ethics reveals its inherent wrongfulness. Addressing this issue requires a sustained, multi-pronged approach that tackles the underlying socio-economic and cultural factors, strengthens legal enforcement, and promotes the empowerment and value of women in society. A fundamental shift in societal attitudes is crucial to ensure that every girl child is welcomed and given the opportunity to thrive.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.