Sex-selective abortion is the practice of terminating pregnancies based on the fetus’s sex, typically targeting female fetuses. This became widespread in the late 1980s when affordable ultrasound technology made prenatal sex determination accessible. At its peak in 2000, an estimated 1.6 million girls were “missing” globally from expected birth numbers. By 2024, this figure has fallen sharply to around 200,000 and continues to decline.
The practice was most prevalent in Asia, especially in China and India. China’s sex ratio peaked at 117.8 boys per 100 girls in 2006, while India’s reached 109.6 boys per 100 girls in 2010. Both nations have since seen significant improvement — China’s ratio fell to 109.8 by 2023 and India’s to 106.8. The natural ratio should be around 105 boys per 100 girls.
Traditional beliefs that men matter more than women underpinned this preference. In many Asian societies, daughters were expected to join their husband’s family after marriage, while sons cared for their parents in old age. Economic factors also played a role — sons were seen as financial security, while daughters were often viewed as economic burdens due to dowry practices and limited employment opportunities.
The surplus of men created millions of lifelong bachelors, called “bare branches” in China. This imbalance contributed to social instability, higher rates of violence and crime, increased authoritarian policing, and greater risk of civil unrest. Studies across six Asian countries found a correlation between distorted sex ratios and higher rates of rape and violent crime.
The decline reflects changing gender attitudes and improvements in women’s status. Economic development, education, and employment opportunities have made daughters more valued. Government interventions, awareness campaigns, and legal restrictions on sex determination also played major roles. Additionally, urbanization and smaller family sizes have reduced pressure to ensure a male heir.
A mild preference for girls is emerging in several societies — though it does not involve aborting boys. In Japan, many couples who plan to have only one child prefer a girl. In America and Scandinavia, families with early-born boys are more likely to have additional children, suggesting a desire for daughters. Adoption agencies report higher demand for girls, and some IVF patients choose female embryos where legally permitted.
Parents increasingly view girls as easier to raise, more emotionally connected, and more likely to care for elderly parents. At the same time, concern is growing about boys’ wellbeing — they face higher incarceration rates (93% of prisoners are male), lower academic performance (54% of young women vs 41% of young men have tertiary degrees in rich countries), and greater social isolation.
Globally, boys face higher rates of behavioral issues, academic underachievement, and social withdrawal. While men still dominate leadership roles, they are also overrepresented among the most disadvantaged groups — including the unemployed, homeless, and imprisoned. Many young men struggle with purpose, leading to trends like online radicalization and social detachment.
Balanced solutions include:
These steps can uplift boys while maintaining progress toward gender equality.
Emerging genetic technologies could make sex selection easier and cheaper. While gene editing to prevent hereditary diseases is widely accepted, early blood-based tests that reveal fetal sex may enable selective abortions. Sperm sorting and embryo testing are also becoming more accessible, raising new ethical challenges.
While less violent than male surpluses, a significant female majority could create new social dynamics. Men might exploit scarcity by avoiding commitment, making stable relationships harder for heterosexual women. This could lead to emotional and demographic imbalances in societies where women far outnumber men.
Rather than restricting reproductive choices, societies should address the root causes of gender bias. This includes promoting equal opportunities for both sexes, challenging stereotypes, supporting vulnerable groups regardless of gender, and monitoring demographic trends to prevent future imbalances.
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