A recent report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty highlights a concerning trend in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where sex-selective abortions are contributing to significant demographic imbalances.

Beyond statistics, the accompanying video report brings forward real-life perspectives. It shows how family pressure, especially from older generations, often plays a decisive role in reproductive choices. Women may face direct or indirect expectations to give birth to boys, which can lead to repeated pregnancies or decisions to terminate female fetuses.

The report illustrates that this is not always a matter of personal preference, but often a social obligation shaped by tradition, economic considerations, and inheritance norms. In some communities, sons are still perceived as providers, while daughters are seen as a financial responsibility.

Demographers warn that skewed birth ratios can lead to long-term instability, including a surplus of men, difficulties in forming families, and increased risks of migration pressures or exploitation.

Authorities in the region have introduced restrictions on revealing fetal sex and launched awareness campaigns. However, as the video suggests, legal measures alone are not enough when social norms remain unchanged.

In my view, the human stories shown in the video make the issue clearer: this is fundamentally about the value placed on women in society. Without changing that perception, the problem will persist regardless of policy.

Source:
RFE/RL article and video report