INTRODUCTION:

Female foeticide is perhaps one of the worst forms of violence against women where a woman is denied her most basic and fundamental right i.e “the right to life”. The phenomenon of female foeticide in India is not new, where female embryos or foetuses are selectively eliminated after pre-natal sex determination, thus eliminating girl child even before they are born ².

In Indian society, female foeticide has emerged as a burning social problem during the last few years. The girl child in India is treated right from her birth as an additional burden an extra mouth to feed, a liability and another man’s property. The birth of a son is regarded as essential in Hinduism and many prayers and lavish offerings are made in temples in the hope of having a male child ².

Crime against women is an issue of national shame however; gender selective abortions and infanticide are even more despicable. This paper draws attention to the growing menace of female foeticide and infanticide in India, which has led to skewed sex ratio in the country. The extent causes and effects of this menace are been discussed at length using data obtained from crime in India report ,2007.the paper underscores the need for social economic and legal reforms to safeguard the female foeticide from illegal abortion and to protect the human rights of the girl child .It is pertinent to note that until and unless this menace is controlled, the country is heading for a catastrophic gender imbalance, which is turn would affect the economic progress of the nation ³.

Female foeticide has become a social hazard of international significance in the era of ultrasound technology and capitalist modernity .this paper tries to focus on the rationale behind the foeticide and the consequences of this phenomenon on the Indian society. Finally, this paper will review to the measures taken to combat this heinous phenomenon for a balanced society⁴.

Infanticide, the neglect of female children with regard to access to health service, nutrition and education and the sexual abuse of girls are manifestations of a deep rooted patriarchal bias against women. This negative bias has assumed an alarming dimension in the recent oast with the utilisation of amniocentesis test for detection the sex of the foetus followed by a selective abortion of female foetuses perpetuates the negative social worth of women⁴.

In India, that is, where the situation is just the opposite, where the gender ratio or the number of females to males is known to be among the most imbalanced in the world especially among the people representing higher economic order.35 million fewer female than males were registered in India over this particular decade. The census also revealed that the phenomenon has reached high proportion in states which had no prior history or practises of female infanticide or where forms of discrimination against girls were not strongly evident earlier ⁴.

There are a series of inferences which illustrates that among economically rich community amniocentesis and other diagnostic techniques are Viewed as important ways of arriving at a balanced family which in turn has reduced the birth rate and controlled population in growth in such communities .If an equal represent5tion of a male and a female child for an economically well of couple can be considered as constituting a balanced family the presence of only male children should not be considered as balanced family. A considerable percentage of parents in their communities still agree that female foeticide is a powerful method of lowering the birth rate without coercion⁵.

Female foeticide is a unique form of violence against woman. The word ”Abortion” has meaning “Offensive” and truly the practice made to take away the wholeness of a woman is an offence which resorts to taking away the life of her own unborn child ⁵.

Millenniums development goals highlight the priority accorded to gender equality in economically well of communities and women’s right as core issues of development. How even northern India social group with a strong patriarchal norms and high degree of son preference predominance represent high economic ladder for instance the biological laws of human reproduction of customs, traditions, religious believers and more recently by sophisticated medical technology to result lower sex ratio in India⁵.

No doubt the boards displayed in nursing homes that sex determination tests are not conducted here is just a strategy to deceive the authorities. The reports of recovery of female foetuses from drains, garbage dumps, public lavatories etc have created shock and protest in the state ⁶. Legal instrument like MTP Act, 1971 and PC PNDT Act 1994/2003) and their subsequent amendments could not check this menace. Governmental efforts through ad campaign documentaries workshops etc have proved inadequate in this regard especially among the mothers belonging to higher economic strata in the economically upper section of the society voluntary and nongovernmental organizations too are still grouping in the dark. According to survey the total population sex ratio of world in 2014 is 1014males per 1000 females. Where as in India the sex is 940 females in 1000 males.⁷

Causes of female foeticide:

For centuries, families across many parts of India have regarded a male child as the preferred out of the two sexes. There have been many social, financial, emotional and religious reasons for this preference and while times have changed, many of these reasons and beliefs continue to remain. The root cause of female foeticide is the dowry system in our society. Girls are considered as financial obligation by many parents. The advancement in technology is the major cause of female foeticide. Now a day parents determine the sex of a child before birth and kill, if not according to their choice even they misuse legal support like medical termination of pregnancy act and prenatal diagnostic techniques act. Adverse sex ratio could be resulting in higher mortality rate at a younger age, higher maternal mortality rate and decrease in life expectancy of women⁸.

Legal Aspects of Female Foeticide:

In the absence of any law, all that the government could do was to issue circulars prior to 1985, banning the misuse of medical technology for sex determination in all government institutions. This, however, led to the mushrooming of private clinics all over the country. Until 1970, the provisions contained in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) governed the law on abortion. The Indian Penal Code 1860 permitted ‘legal abortions’ did without criminal intent and in good faith for the express purpose of saving the life of the mother. Liberalization of abortion laws was also advocated as measures of population control. These considerations the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed in July 1971 which came into force in April 1972.This law was conceived as a tool to let the pregnant women decide the number and frequency of children ⁸.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also has developed its own strategy for the prevention of sex selection and implementation of the act. In an attempt to sensitize its members, the IMA gives its members badges saying-‘Beti Bachao’ (save the daughter) during all its meetings and conferences⁸.

Ultrasonography is being used as a non-invasive technique for sex determination, even in remote areas and even quacks has access to them. In 1994, the Government of India enacted the PNDT (Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act, that made revealing the sex of the foetus a criminal offence. The need of the hour is to stress upon other avenues or alternatives that can strengthen the law and can bring about the desired social change⁸.

The Constitution of India guarantees to all Indian women equality, no discrimination by the State, equality of opportunity, and equal pay for equal work. In addition, it allows special provisions to be made by the State in favour of women and children, renounces practices derogatory to the dignity of women, and also allows for provisions to be made by the State for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief⁸.

Consequences of female foeticide:

While instances of abortion aren’t newsflash in India or any other nation, the cruelty being flaunted In this particular case ,is for lack of a better word, horrifying happened to catch this exchange in a programme on television ,which is a reflect Endeavour to throw light on the brutal underbelly of a supposed sophisticated society .it is a novel venture to voice the injustice that is rampant in the country, and to work together as an informed community to abolish such evil acts and their perpetrators once and for all .The topic for this hub is, therefore female foeticide⁹.

Skewed sex ratio:-According to 2011 census ,the child sex ratio in India was 919 females tro 1000 males, which declined from 927 female to 1000 males in the previous decade. Haryana, which is supposed to be one of the richest states in India, takes the top most position in skewed sex ratio ⁹.

Knowledge of college student towards female foeticide:

The preference for a son continues to be a prevalent norm in the rational Indian household .This is evident from the declining sex ratio which has dropped to alarming levels, especially in the northern states according to 2001 census reports. The proliferation and abuse of advanced technologies coupled with social factors contributing to the low status of women such as dowry ,concerns with family name and looking up to the son as a breadwinner has made the evil practice of female foeticide to become common in the middle aged and higher socio-economic household especially in the northern states. Despite the existence of the prenatal diagnostic technique act, there is a dire need to strengthen this law since the number of convictions is despairingly low as compared to the burden posed by this crime ⁹.

A population based study was conducted in selected Bikaner Panchayat Samiti of Bikaner District (Rajasthan) to assess the Awareness of the Rural and Urban Women about Female Foeticide. A sample of 320 respondents comprising 160 respondents from rural area and 160 respondents from urban area were selected through random sampling method. Findings revealed that (55%) rural respondents and (70%) urban respondents had medium awareness about female foeticide. Further results indicated that caste; mass media exposure and socio economic status had positive and significant association with awareness of rural and urban respondents about female foeticide¹⁰.

An explorative study was done to explore the income strata and rural–urban variations in extent and justification for female foeticide/ infanticide, and to capture the linkages between male child preference with the gender system and the practice of female foeticide/ infanticide in rural, semi-urban and urban areas of three districts (Amritsar, Jalandhar and Bhatinda) of Punjab. Data was collected from three income groups’ upper, middle, and lower class, through interviews. Findings indicated that 19.4% of the respondents resorted to abortion because a female foetus was detected, and they wanted a male child. Resort to female foeticide was reported mostly by the middle income group (23.2%), followed by upper income group (18.3%) and least by the lower income group (15.5%) ¹⁰.

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program on knowledge and attitude regarding female foeticide among college students in Mumbai. Samples consisted of 150 college students which comprised of 75 boys and 75 girls in the age group of 18 to 25. Result shows that there was gain in knowledge and attitude scores of college students. The overall pre test knowledge scores of college students were 47% which is increased to 84% in post test. The study revealed that if additional information is given regarding female foeticide and its problems and prevention there would be enhanced awareness which will help in maintain gender equalities¹¹.

A study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students and interns regarding female foeticide. Samples consisted of 62 interns and 39 MBBS students. Out of 100 medical undergraduates, 57% were males and 43% females. Result shows that they had moderate knowledge among female foeticide and its methods but less awareness regarding impact of female foeticide. The study revealed that there is a need to sensitize tomorrow’s doctors about the ethics related to the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of technology¹¹.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1. To assess the level of perception and awareness regarding female foeticide among college students.

2. To develop an awareness programme

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

A Descriptive design and cross-sectional survey approach was used for the study. The study was conducted in Royal +2 Science College, which is situated near Mancheswar Railway Station, BBSR, Odisha, where 100 students were selected by purposive sampling technique. The tool was developed in 2 sections. Section -A includes the demographic variable and section-B includes multiple choice questionnaire and check list to assess level the perception and awareness regarding female foticide. Data was collected from 100 student of +2 Royal science college followed by an awareness programme. The time allotted to students for pretest was 20 minutes. The investigator then demonstrated teaching programmes by means of AV Aids. Responses were recorded as per interview schedule during interview.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

The college student of Royal +2 Science College who were.

Able to understand and speak English

Available during the period of data collection

Willing to participate in the study

CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS:

The blue print item was validated by the experts in various fields of nursing. Their opinion and suggestion were taken to prepare the questionnaire. The research consultant and guide were consulted before finalizing the tool.

PLAN FOR DATA ANALYSIS:

Data obtained from a sample of 100 student of +2 royal science college were analyzed by descriptive research method and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage and was tabulated for each item and presented through tables and graphs

FINDINGS:

Description of students according to their demographic characteristic.

Figure -1: Bar diagram showing the percentage wise distribution of students according to their age.

Figure-2: Pie diagram showing the percentage wise distribution according to their gender

From figure 1 and 2 It depicts that most of the students (67%) were in the age group of 15-17 years and 33% of them 17-19 years of age. Whereas 70% of students were female and 30% of them were male.

Figure-3: Bar diagram showing the percentage wise distribution of students regarding “source of information regarding female foeticide”

Source of Information:

Figure 3: Depicts that percentage wise distribution of students according to their previous source of information regarding female foeticide shows that highest percentage (48%) of students gain information through mass media and lowest percentage (11%) of students information through society.

Table :1 Awareness regarding Legal aspects of female foeticide

Responses regarding legal aspects	Male (30%)	Female (70%)
Aware	62%	71%
Not aware	38%	29%
Total	100%	100%
Awareness regarding MTP act
Aware	45%	58%
Not aware	55%	42%
Total	100%	100%
Awareness regarding prenatal diagnostic test
Aware	48	55
Not aware	52	45
Total	100%	100%

Table: 1- Depicts that 62% of male and 71% of female were aware about Legal aspects of female foeticide. Regarding MTP act 45% of male and 58% female were aware where as 55% of male and 42% of male not aware of female foeticide. 48% of male and 55% female were aware and 52% of male and 45% were not aware regarding prenatal diagnostic test.

Figure : 4- Bar diagram showing the percentage wise distribution according to the responses of the respondent regarding causes of female foeticide

Figure-4: Depicts that highest (37%) of students were responded that “poverty” is the main cause of female foeticide where as 29% viewed “girls as burden” and more or less similar percentage (16% and 19% ) responded “dowry” and “family pressure” is the cause of female foeticide.

Table 2: Perception of respondents about female foeticide (sex determination) practice

Perception of the student on sex determination	Morally right (%)	Morally wrong (%)
Male student	88%	12%
Female student	90%	10%

Table 2: It is evident from Table 2 that majority of male student (88%) and female student (90%) responded that this practice is morally wrong. (10 %) female student responded that it is morally right, (12%) male student responded that there is no harm in this practice. Female students who were in favour of this practice felt that sex determination should be a must for ensuring the birth of male child whereas male who supported this give reason like lack of safety for girls in the society in so many aspects. Moreover both the male and female students were of view point that social pressure is the main reason for supporting female foeticide.

Table-3: Depicts that highest (94%) of students were aware about the item “female foeticide taking place in India” whereas the lowest only 56% of student were responded positively that “existing laws sufficient and effective to stop atrocities against women”. Highest percentage of students (44%) were responded negatively about the item “the existing laws sufficient and effective to stop atrocities against women” ,whereas lowest percentage (6%) were not aware about item ”female foeticide taking place in India”.

Table 3: Response of the student toward awareness of female foticide

SL. NO	ITEMS	Yes		No
SL. NO	ITEMS	Number	%	Number	%
1	Female foticide takes place in India	94	94%	6	6%
2	Do you feel that women also contribute to commission to female foeticide.
3	Are you Aware of method of sex determination	81	81%	19	19%
3	Are you Aware of genetic center	64	64%	26	26%
4	Do you know abortion affects the health of the women	77	77%	23	23%
5	Do you feel that the genetic centres also do the assistance for abortion	78	78%	22	22%
6	Do you think the better education of women will improve the situation.	76	76%	24	24%
7	Whether the work of women organization are effective	66	66%	34	34%
8	Do you thing that female foeticide is a method of balancing family and controlling population	75	75%	25	25%
9	Do you agree that existing law need amendment	71	71%	29	29%
10	Existing law is sufficient and effective to stop atrocities against women”.	56	56%	44	44%
11	Are you aware of existing law	63	63%	17	17%