“Girl deficit” is not a concern only in developing countries. Almost half the globe is facing the gradual distortion of the human sex ratio resulting from female feticide. According to demographer Nicholas Eberstadt, “the practice has become so ruthlessly routine in many contemporary societies that it has impacted their very population structures”.

The natural human sex ratio rarely crosses 105 males per 100 females. However, China where female feticide is rampant had a ratio of 120 to 100, even up to 150 in some districts, according to its mini-census in 2005. The reason is very obvious, proven by a ratio of 107 to 100 among first-born children but nearly 150 among ones born later. By the early 21st century, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan had a “naturally impossible” ratio of 108 or higher. India has an increasing ratio, as high as 120 in some states. Some European countries, including Italy, are also not too far.

The United Nations puts the world sex ratio at birth at 107 boys to 100 girls for 2005 to 2010. Assuming 105 is natural, Dr. Eberstadt calculates a global “girl deficit” of at least 32 million. With such “Girl deficit” is not a concern only in developing countries. Almost half the globe is facing the gradual distortion of the human sex ratio resulting from female feticide. According to demographer Nicholas Eberstadt, “the practice has become so ruthlessly routine in many contemporary societies that it has impacted their very population structures”. The natural human sex ratio rarely crosses 105 males per 100 females. However, China where female feticide is rampant had a ratio of 120 to 100, even up to 150 in some districts, according to its mini-census in 2005. The reason is very obvious, proven by a ratio of 107 to 100 among first-born children but nearly 150 among ones born later. By the early 21st century, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan had a “naturally impossible” ratio of 108 or higher. India has an increasing ratio, as high as 120 in some states. Some European countries, including Italy, are also not too far. The United Nations puts the world sex ratio at birth at 107 boys to 100 girls for 2005 to 2010. Assuming 105 is natural, Dr. Eberstadt calculates a global “girl deficit” of at least 32 million. With such  a significant number of unmarried and possibly disruptive men, the consequences can be serious and perpetuating. Several sociologists in various studies have noted that the addition of such a huge number of young “excess males” can have perverse and unexpected consequences, including increased demand for prostitution and an upsurge in the kidnapping and trafficking of women (as is now being witnessed in some women-scarce areas in Asia.) In addition to increased crime, violence, and social tensions, this phenomenon can very well lead to social instability.

Surprisingly, this phenomenon gets worse with opulence. Vietnam has had biased male-birth ratios only after it flourishing economically. Many studies show that in India and China, the problem is more prominent in comparatively richer regions. Richer people plan smaller families. Hence, those who have had a daughter first are ready to go to any extent to ensure that their second child is a boy. More money also means easy access to technology: ultrasound and abortion, a procedure psychologically less hurting and medically easier to prove as a necessity.

Upcoming advancements in science are only going to a significant number of unmarried and possibly disruptive men, the consequences can be serious and perpetuating. Several sociologists in various studies have noted that the addition of such a huge number of young “excess males” can have perverse and unexpected consequences, including increased demand for prostitution and an upsurge in the kidnapping and trafficking of women (as is now being witnessed in some women-scarce areas in Asia.) In addition to increased crime, violence, and social tensions, this phenomenon can very well lead to social instability. Surprisingly, this phenomenon gets worse with opulence. Vietnam has had biased male-birth ratios only after it flourishing economically. Many studies show that in India and China, the problem is more prominent in comparatively richer regions. Richer people plan smaller families. Hence, those who have had a daughter first are ready to go to any extent to ensure that their second child is a boy. More money also means easy access to technology: ultrasound and abortion, a procedure psychologically less hurting and medically easier to prove as a necessity. Upcoming advancements in science are only going to  worsen this trend. A “technical” way of sex selection is through near-perfect in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in which only male embryos are implanted in the womb. However, today only very rich can afford this luxury. Very soon, the US is going to test the sperm selection method for sorting human sperm into X (female determining) and Y (male) types. This method is already used in dairy cattle with 93% accuracy. If this method becomes economical, one can easily imagine its popularity in countries such as India and China and the subsequent effect of this popularity.worsen this trend. A “technical” way of sex selection is through near-perfect in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in which only male embryos are implanted in the womb. However, today only very rich can afford this luxury. Very soon, the US is going to test the sperm selection method for sorting human sperm into X (female determining) and Y (male) types. This method is already used in dairy cattle with 93% accuracy. If this method becomes economical, one can easily imagine its popularity in countries such as India and China and the subsequent effect of this popularity.

What can be inferred about In-Vitro Fertilization from the passage?What can be inferred about In-Vitro Fertilization from the passage?

Right Ans : E