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Period: to
Sex Discrimination
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Western Approval
In 1969, the American Population Council's Dr. Sheldon Segal publicly proclaimed the benefits of sex-selective abortion as a means of combating the "population bomb". Western approval of gender discrimination to females through selective abortions played a big impact in Asian Countries. The approval of others led to a growth in this type of discrimination. -
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis, which reveals the sex of the baby, became widely available in Asian Countries. Along with this new availability came a rise in sex selective abortions. -
One Child Policy
The One Child Policy in China was introduced in 1979 in order to limit the rapidly growing population. Because there is a strong desire for men in Asian countries due to social standards, and family legacies, couples did not want their only child to be a girl. With this One Child Policy, many women were forced into or resorted to sex selective abortions because they only had one opportunity to have a son. -
Ultrasound B Machine
The Ultrasound B Machine was introduced to Asian Countries which made detecting the gender of a fetus much easier. These machines were used in every county of China by 1983 and at least 4 machines were available in every county by 1984. They also made it possible to force women to have monthly ultrasounds to ensure that she was not pregnant. -
Ban of Sex Selective Abortions
In 2005, the Chinese Government, with the help of the United Nations Family Planning Association, outlawed abortions based on the gender of the fetus. This plan was put into effect in order to decrease the offset gender ratio in China. They hypothesized that this action would have the gender ratios back to normal in five years, -
New Laws
Two-thirds of women are required to have an IUD (Intrauterine Device) implantation after their first child and have quarterly check-ups to ensure the IUD remains in place. They also have to apply for a birth permit before pregnancy. -
Gender Imbalance
In 2011, there were 117 boys for every 100 girls in China. The normal ratio is 104 boys for every 100 girls. This large imbalance is due to sex-selective abortions, neglect, and trafficking. -
Prenatal Sex Determination
The determination of the sex of a fetus was outlawed in 2012. This law was created to help reduce the cases of sex-selective abortions. It is often ignored and is punishable by a fine equivalent to 1500 U.S. dollars.
