A STUDY OF ATTITUDE ON FEMALE FETICIDE OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN BIKANER OF RAJASTHAN.

Dr. Seema Mehta, Aarti Acharya, Dr. Rattiram Meena* and Dr. Rekha Acharya

ABSTRACT

Background: Female feticide has been a big social problem in all the states of India. There is a male child preference by pregnant women including their family members. Thus this study aimed to assess attitude and awareness on female feticide. Methods: The present study was conducted in ANC center of Medical college Hospital, Bikaner of Rajasthan in 400 pregnant women. Results: Out of 400 pregnant women 42.5% had shown no gender preference, 39.5% preferred male child and 18% had preferred to have female child. Regarding awareness, 85.5% and 90% women knew that prenatal sex determination and female feticide are illegal respectively. Conclusions: Being the civilized citizens, it is our duty to raise voice against the declining sex ratio and killing of girl child. Being a woman it is our primary duty as well as concern to come forward to stop this menace.

Keywords: Female feticide, Attitude, Awareness, Practice, Pregnant women.