Question:

What is the primary factor responsible for female foeticide?

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Gender discrimination is the primary driver of female foeticide, with cultural preferences for sons and economic factors influencing the decision to abort female fetuses.
Updated On: Feb 7, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The primary factor responsible for female foeticide is gender discrimination. In many societies, there is a strong preference for male children over female children. This cultural bias, combined with economic and social factors, leads families to opt for sex-selective abortions when a female fetus is identified.
Step 1: Understanding gender discrimination.
Gender discrimination in many societies devalues the role of women and girls. In some communities, males are preferred because they are seen as the primary breadwinners or heirs, while females are often viewed as an economic burden due to dowries and other societal expectations.
Step 2: Cultural and economic factors.
Cultural norms and economic pressures often influence the decision to terminate a female pregnancy. In societies where sons are expected to carry on the family name or support parents in old age, the birth of a daughter may be viewed negatively, leading to the practice of female foeticide.
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