UNFPA Armenia Report: 7,000 Women Have Sex-Selective Abortions Preferring Boys
Posted on | December 20, 2011 by Lisa Correnti |
A report conducted by UNFPA and the Armenian government health ministry revealed that women are aborting their female unborn children. Over the last 5 years over 7,000 women have had sex-selective abortions. UNFPA conducted the study due to statistical data since 1993 indicating the sex-at-birth disbalance of 115 boys to 100 girls, compared to a normal ratio of 105 boys to 100 girls. The report “Prevalence and Reasons of Sex Selective Abortions in Armenia” revealed a 6 times greater preference for boys over girls.
Mr. Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia Assistant Representative presented the report yesterday with Prof. Razmik Abrahamyan, Director of Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hayrapetyan was surprised that the finding showed more educated women opting for sex-selective abortions.
“The highest indicator showed that sex-selective abortion is strangely opted by highly educated women who have a [monthly] salary of more than 100,000 drams [approx. $262 USD]. These are things that are not yet possible to explain through this study. Next year, we’ll try to carry out joint research with our colleagues and try to understand the secrets uncovered by this study. It was a discovery for me — I thought that highly educated women would less likely opt for this [sex-selective abortion],” said Hayrapetyan.
Professor Razmik Abrahamyan reported that sex-slective abortions were more common for the 3rd or 4th child. ”Families in rural areas want to have sons more that those in urban areas,” said Abrahamyan.
The report revealed that Armenia loses 1400 future mothers annually.
