Female infanticide seems to be on the rise, globally. (click here for story)

Infanticide in China is in the news again. But linked to the issue in China is the truth that in many countries around the world, gender bias results in the death of females at unprecedented rates. There are growing issues in Western Asian countries, regions of Africa, Venezuela and El Salvador and at least three countries in Europe. Regions in the U.S. and Canada are also seeing pockets of gender imbalance, primarily in Asian communities.

There are reports that as many as 60 million girls are missing in Asia.

Let me say that again: There are 60 million girls missing in Asia.

In India, the problem is growing: Estimates are that anywhere between 150,000 and 500,000 girls go missing every year.

China's one child policy has resulted in mass murdering of female infants. Additionally, women are increasingly seeking gender determination using prenatal testing and aborting females.

Regions of China are beginning to report sex ratios that demonstrate the loss of girls. Normally there are approximately 103 boys for every 100 girls. China now averages 117 boys for every 100 girls.

In India the trends are becoming clear as well. While some areas of the country are reporting traditional ratios, there are now regions of India now reporting sex ratios of 120- 125 boys for every 100 girls.

According to the article referenced above, these ratios seem to be the result of both cultural preference for males and government programs to limit family size. In some areas of India, communities that don't adhere to a two-children limitation have been been denied access to things like fertilizer and irrigation water.

Like the genocide against Christians in the Sudan, this slaughter of females must be addressed by civilized people around the globe.

For more information, the following links might be helpful:
Article in Christian Science Monitor
Gendercide Watch
Article in Indian Catholic
United Nations Population Fund Information