The Issue of Sex-Selective Abortions Remains Worrisome: Human Rights Defender

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, emphasizes that the issue of sex-selective abortions continues to be a cause for concern, despite the positive strides made in recent years towards combating this problem. The Defender has released a statement on the matter.

"The presence of this issue is evidenced by various reports and assessments conducted by the Human Rights Defender over the years. It is a manifestation of discrimination against women when a pregnancy is terminated upon discovering the sex of the fetus, favoring male children over female ones. Studies show that the underlying causes of this issue are deep-rooted and varied, but factors such as traditional societal perceptions of gender roles, preference for male offspring, or stereotypical views on women's roles can influence the decision-making process regarding such discriminatory practices," Tatoyan stated.

Moreover, some studies indicate that cases exist where women may encounter difficulties in their families for having a female child, often being blamed for not producing a male heir. This critical attitude can drive women to seek to have boys, guided by notions of "gaining a favorable position in the family," "strengthening status," and "ensuring stability for the future." Another aspect of the issue is that sometimes the decision to undergo sex-selective abortion is not made autonomously by women, as they may resort to such measures under family pressure or even coercion.

In Armenia, the skewed ratio between male and female births began to be observed as early as 1991, and by 2000, it reached 120 boys to 100 girls, while the standard norm is established at 102-103 boys to 100 girls. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the average girl-to-boy ratio among births from 2008 to 2012 was 100-115, in 2014 it was 100-113.4, in 2015 it was 100-112.7, in 2016 it was 100-111.9, in 2017 it was 100-109.8, in 2018 it was 100-111, in 2019 it was 100-110, and in 2020, within the first nine months, it recorded at 100-111.3.

Statistical data indicates that the existence of this problem is particularly pronounced in the case of third children. According to the demographic data of Armenia from 2020, the gender ratio factor based on the order of birth is 1.04 for the first child, 0.07 for the second child, 1.27 for the third child, and 1.26 for the fourth child. A comparative study of gender ratio factors shows that there is a positive shift, especially in the case of the second child, while the indicator for the first child remains unchanged. The ratios for subsequent children have improved compared to the previous year, decreasing from 1.40 or 1.32 to 1.27 and 1.26, yet the issue remains unresolved and requires further efforts.

Despite ongoing work, the issue has not yet been systematically resolved. Studies suggest that the problem can take on a latent nature, and experts indicate that it is now possible to determine the sex of a fetus at earlier stages due to advancements in medical technology. Therefore, legislative measures that establish prohibitions on sex-selective abortions between 12 to 22 weeks of pregnancy or actions solely focused on public awareness are insufficient to address the issue.

In order to combat this problem, comprehensive measures must be implemented that address the underlying causes. Efforts to combat and prevent sex-selective abortions must be integrated with initiatives aimed at empowering women, educating them about their rights and decision-making freedom, and strengthening oversight over healthcare practitioners," the statement concludes.