Rapid responses are electronic comments to the editor. They enable our users
to debate issues raised in articles published on bmj.com. A rapid response
is first posted online. If you need the URL (web address) of an individual
response, simply click on the response headline and copy the URL from the
browser window. A proportion of responses will, after editing, be published
online and in the print journal as letters, which are indexed in PubMed.
Rapid responses are not indexed in PubMed and they are not journal articles.
The BMJ reserves the right to remove responses which are being
wilfully misrepresented as published articles or when it is brought to our
attention that a response spreads misinformation.
From March 2022, the word limit for rapid responses will be 600 words not
including references and author details. We will no longer post responses
that exceed this limit.
The word limit for letters selected from posted responses remains 300 words.
Useful report by BMJ. Meeting was supported by UNICEF India as it is
a matter of extreme concern that sex ratio has fallen alarmingly across
India and it is a question of girls' right to survival.
I am amazed at Dr.Joe Antony's statement that the law should be
applicable in North India as if south does not have a problem! Southern
state of Tamil Nadu has recorded some of the highest cases of female
infanticide and now female foeticide. Interestingly as foeticide goes up
infanticide has come down.In Kerala also the juvenile sex ratio( age
cohort of 0-4 years) is showing a downward trend.So while it may not be a
historical problem in Kerala the bug is definitely catching.
According to the law there should be no indication to the parents
either verbally or non verbally on the sex of the foetus. The radiologist
is not supposed to reveal even if the parents are curious.
I agree tough steps need to be taken to control
the evil of female foeticide. However, in South India
where I work, this menace is almost totally absent-
possibly due to education of the masses (especially Kerala).
Here, mothers are interested in knowing the sex of the
baby (foetus)only out of curiosity. The law should be
enforced in North India, strictly, where the misuse persists.
Re: Female foeticide
Useful report by BMJ. Meeting was supported by UNICEF India as it is
a matter of extreme concern that sex ratio has fallen alarmingly across
India and it is a question of girls' right to survival.
I am amazed at Dr.Joe Antony's statement that the law should be
applicable in North India as if south does not have a problem! Southern
state of Tamil Nadu has recorded some of the highest cases of female
infanticide and now female foeticide. Interestingly as foeticide goes up
infanticide has come down.In Kerala also the juvenile sex ratio( age
cohort of 0-4 years) is showing a downward trend.So while it may not be a
historical problem in Kerala the bug is definitely catching.
According to the law there should be no indication to the parents
either verbally or non verbally on the sex of the foetus. The radiologist
is not supposed to reveal even if the parents are curious.
Competing interests: No competing interests