There has been a rise in Albania's sex-selective abortion due to the country's preference for male heirs. Males are seen as protectors, as well as financial supporters of the family, whereas females are there solely for emotional support. This article reports that more than 15,000 female fetuses have been aborted between 2000 and 2010.
Sex-selective abortion, which is illegal in Albania, has been linked to the widespread gender gap and declining fertility rate in the country. Albania's sex ratio leans more towards males than India. That is a considerable amount considering India's large population. This also brings light to another issue: women's rights and inequalities.
Should something be done to reduce the number of sex-selective abortions in Albania?
Should something be done to reduce the number of sex-selective abortions in Albania?
http://womensenews.org/story/abortion/130125/sex-selective-abortion-trending-in-albania#.UQ7pWaU1bFI
I mean, of course something SHOULD be done but I think the harder question is what CAN be done? Essentially, if it is a big deal as mentioned in this article perhaps it is relatable to cultural aspects of Albania and thus requires a progressive change in cultural ideas/perceptions. This has already been pushed in India and perhaps the Albanian government can take programs used in other male-dominated countries and alter them to fit their unique situation. But to change something that may have cultural conations is difficult and programs working to eradicate things such as FGM in places like Somalia and Kenya could be of some help.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely crazy. I agree that progressive change should be pushed as it was pushed in India. Especially due to the fact that girls in Albania are not seen as an economic burden and that religion does not play a role. The cultural changes that this gender gap will lead to definitely need to be taken into account. Like the article said, in a few years this will lead to imbalances among the adult population, with young men outnumbering young women by 10 percent. The effects of this will not be minimal.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting but I have to point out that the article states that 15,000 female fetuses were aborted between 2000 and 2010 but it does not state how many male fetuses were aborted during the same time. What if the number of aborted male fetuses is 5,000; 15,000; or 20,000? Wouldn't that change the message of the study? The article's topic is important but we must be aware to make conclusions without getting a more complete picture of the study.
ReplyDeleteVicky: I agree. This would be very hard to change since it is part of the cultural aspect of Albania. I think they shouldn't take giving birth for granted. If anything could be done, it would take time to do. I guess we have to wait and see what the government does.
ReplyDeleteStephanie: That's very true. I think they should push through reforms like they did in India. There'll be consequences in the future.
Susan: You're right. This article may be exaggerating a bit, but it does seem like sex-selective abortion is widespread. Hopefully things start to change soon.