Understanding the Indian Mindset Regarding Preferred Family Structure for a Better Application of Scientific advances to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

Authors:

Tandon A*

Volume 1, Issue 3

Abstract

India is facing a declining female sex ratio. PCPNDT (Pre - Conception Prenatal Diagnostic Technique) Act was implemented in 1994 to control the decline as it was thought that ultrasound had led to diagnosing the sex of foetus followed by abortion of female foetuses. In a study conducted it was proved that PCPNDT Act after 20 years of its implementation had failed to control declining female sex ratio and the same study had suggested alternative methods for solving the issue .That study further pointed that PCPNDT had resulted in conviction of doctors on clerical errors and not on sex determination case being proved against them. The families wanting a boy were not afraid of law and by alternative approaches (through dais and quacks and technicians working as night squads ) continued getting Sex Determination done followed by abortions by untrained people and resorting to unsafe abortions . It has been shown in prior studies that unsafe abortions increase the maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The present study analyses the Indian mindset regarding their preference for family structure and comes up with the conclusion that it is not that Indian community believes in selective female feticide but does believe in a balanced structure that is they want to have children of both the sexes in their family and thus preferred a balanced family structure. The majorities do not believe in Sex determination and MTPs (Medical Termination of pregnancy) but have faith in Gods decision. Majority want one daughter and one son and a few wanted even two daughters. A few families do not want to undergo Sex determination nor abortion but after giving birth to first child as per Gods grace want to undergo PGD (Pre Gestational Diagnosis) and implantation for procuring second child of opposite sex to get a one girl one boy family structure. With prevailing traditional values PCPNDT is forcing birth of unwanted girl child degrading their value further and adding to troubles of females belonging to more conservative families as seen in daily practice by the obstetricians in India leading them to think that alternatives to PCPNDT should be thought of to control the declining female sex ratio in India.

Keywords:

PCPNDT; Unsafe Abortions; Maternal Mortality; Post abortion Care

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