The Study on the Motivation of Sex-Selective Abortion among Indian Immigrants in U.S.A

Abstract

This qualitative study sought to explore the motivations behind sex-selective abortion among Indian immigrants in the United States. Using a theoretical framework incorporating social learning theory and self-determination theory, the research design consisted of semi-structured interviews of 20 married Indian immigrant women. Based on an analysis of these interviews, the following emergent themes were Theoretical and social work practice implications based on the findings of the study were discussed. Based on the researcher's findings, there remains a great deal of opportunity for future studies to provide more insight into this phenomenon. Beyond researching this specific issue, the researcher recommends a continued focus on women's rights issues within the United States.

Abortion Experiences and Perspectives Amongst Migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review

“…Not all studies focused specifically on abortion, while some focused on specific types, methods and reasons for abortion. Termination of pregnancy for genetic anomalies was the focus of three studies [ 20 , 30 , 31 ], and sex-selective abortion the focus of two [ 38 , 45 ]. While a few studies mentioned abortion-seekers’ SRH rights [ 24 , 29 , 41 ], only Deeb-Sossa and Billings included an extensive examination of rights, using a reproductive justice lens [ 26 ].…”

“…Participants held a range of knowledge and beliefs surrounding abortion and broader SRH, often informed by cultural, social and contextual factors. Low contraceptive awareness and limited SRH knowledge were pervasive [ 22 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]; participants themselves attributed unplanned pregnancy and abortion in their communities to these deficits [ 28 , 40 , 43 , 46 ] (see Figure 2 ). Religious participants believed family ‘planning’ was a fallacy: Muslim Somali, Moroccan and Turkish women, and Christian and Catholic Haitians and Lusophone African women asserted pregnancy should not be controlled [ 28 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…While migrants’ and refugees’ reasons for seeking abortion were diverse, socioeconomic strain and poverty consistently shaped decisions [ 23 , 24 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ] ( Figure 2 ). Financial burdens of childrearing and pregnancy costs were insurmountable, especially when participants already had children.…”

“…Abortion was a way to avoid ostracism and stigma brought by premarital pregnancy, and as such was often encouraged by families to save face [ 11 , 27 , 46 ]. Some participants described family pressure to abort [ 11 , 23 , 27 , 38 , 45 , 46 ], or they ended pregnancies to avoid disappointing families or to continue fulfilling familial caregiving responsibilities [ 11 , 26 ]. Others asserted that relatives would pressure them not to abort [ 46 ].…”

“…Others asserted that relatives would pressure them not to abort [ 46 ]. Some migrant and refugee women were pressured into abortion by partners, who were frequently women’s sole financial and social support in their host countries [ 38 , 39 , 42 , 45 ]. Moreover, unstable relationships and domestic abuse were key reasons for abortion [ 21 , 23 , 24 , 39 , 43 ].…”