Publication:

A hospital-based study on knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women on gender preference, prenatal sex determination and female feticide at tertiary care hospital, Bikaner

Background Female feticide has been a big social problem in all the states of India. There is a male child preference by pregnant women including their family members. Thus this study aimed to assess attitude and awareness on female feticide.

Methods The present study was conducted in ANC center of Medical college Hospital, Bikaner of Rajasthan in 500 pregnant women (250 rural and 250 Urban).

Results Out of 500 pregnant women 62% had shown no gender preference, 23% preferred male child and 15% had preferred to have female child. Regarding awareness, 88% and 90% women knew that prenatal sex determination and female feticide are illegal respectively.

Conclusions Being the civilized citizens, it is our duty to raise voice against the declining sex ratio and killing of girl child. Being a woman it is our primary duty as well as concern to come forward to stop this menace.