Consider the following statement (s) related to the reasons for low sex ratio.

I. High maternal mortality

II. Sex selective female abortions

III. Change in sex ratio at birth

The correct answer is Option 4: I, II & III

Key Points

• Statement I: High maternal mortality significantly contributes to the low sex ratio by reducing the number of surviving females, especially in areas with poor healthcare infrastructure.
• Statement II: Sex-selective female abortions are a significant factor in skewing the sex ratio, where female fetuses are selectively aborted due to societal preferences for male children.
• Statement III: A change in the sex ratio at birth, often influenced by cultural practices and medical advancements, can lead to an imbalance between male and female births, contributing to a low sex ratio.

Important Points

• The low sex ratio in some countries, particularly in India and China, is the result of a combination of societal, cultural, and healthcare-related factors that skew the male-to-female ratio.
• Sex-selective abortions and preference for male children in certain regions exacerbate gender imbalances, which leads to a low overall sex ratio.

Additional Information

• Maternal Mortality: High maternal mortality in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure results in fewer females surviving childbirth, contributing to a low female-to-male ratio.
• Sex Ratio at Birth: The natural sex ratio at birth is slightly biased towards males (about 105 males to 100 females), but cultural preferences and selective practices can disturb this balance, leading to a skewed sex ratio in the population.