Safeguarding Our Daughters: Tackling Female Infanticide And Foeticide In India Through Legal And Social Perspectives

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of female infanticide and foeticide in India, examining the complex interplay between socio-cultural factors and legal frameworks that have shaped these practices. Despite significant advancements in women's rights and gender equality, female infanticide and foeticide persist as deeply entrenched issues, reflecting persistent gender biases and a preference for male offspring in certain regions of India. This study explores the historical roots, cultural beliefs, and economic considerations that contribute to the continued prevalence of these practices. It also reviews the evolution of legal measures aimed at combating female infanticide and foeticide, including the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act), and the impact of these laws on the ground. By analysing data, legal case studies, and qualitative research, the paper seeks to understand the effectiveness of existing interventions and highlights the challenges in eradicating these practices. Furthermore, it discusses the role of education, awareness campaigns, and societal change in shifting the cultural norms that underpin gender-based discrimination. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, legal practitioners, and civil society organisations, emphasising a multi-faceted approach that combines legal enforcement with socio-cultural transformation to address the root causes of female infanticide and foeticide in India.