Sex-selective practices in India: a socio-legal analysis of female feticide and contemporary Challenges

Female feticide remains one of the most severe expressions of gender-based discrimination in contemporary India. While constitutional protections and detailed statutory frameworks exist, patriarchal norms, economic pressures, technological misuse, and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to drive this practice. This study demonstrates that female feticide is a multi-layered problem that cannot be addressed through legal measures alone. A sustainable solution requires: • Stronger and more accountable enforcement of existing laws • Gender-sensitive education and value-based learning • Economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls • Community-led awareness programs that challenge patriarchal norms Only through a simultaneous legal, social, and cultural transformation can Indian society uphold the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and the right to life. The eradication of female feticide demands collective moral responsibility and long-term commitment to gender justice.