If banned gender selection tests are just a click away, it implies that educated individuals are equally determined to get a sex selection test done, which is not a good trend. Many times, I believe, in some families there is still a strong preference for a male child even today. Advertisements put on internet portals make things quite easy for couples who are looking for any details about such clinics.—Reeha Sheth
One cannot always monitor what is happening in vast cyberspace. In India, cyber laws and conviction for online crimes aren’t stringent and hence not taken seriously. So if in India, the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 2002, bans the use of technology for and the advertising of sex selection that lead to foeticide (sex-selective abortion), then there needs to be action taken against those who advertise.—Pourushasp Balsara
Despite several measures that are taken and various bans on such tests, it continues to prevail in some form or another. This shows that there is a craving to determine the gender of the unborn child. Search engines and internet portals will put up such advertisements, when there is a huge demand for the same. If there is any pressure on the couples, they will continue to visit such clinics. There needs to be basic understanding in families that we need to value the child irrespective of its gender.
—Lianne Andrew
I think we all have come across advertisements which claim to determine sex selection somewhere. We have seen posters and stickers put up in many public places. It’s shocking that such advertisements are blatantly put up on websites now. The government needs to look into it, as Indian law bans advertisements and sponsored links related to sex selection facilities on web pages that can be accessed in India.—Pooja Kadge
I feel people should accept what they are blessed with. They must shun such tests and deter others from indulging in such malpractices. These advertisements certainly play on the minds of people. For many, this is a form of business but they don’t understand that someone will end up losing a life in this process. We should take up this issue seriously and the government along with NGOs should spread awareness.—Mehul Savla
Compiled by Brinda Majithia
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