Selective abortions, also known as sex-selective abortions, are a controversial medical procedure used to choose the sex of a fetus and terminate pregnancies based on gender. The spelling of "selective" is /səˈlɛktɪv/, with the stress on the second syllable. The term "abortions" is pronounced /əˈbɔrʃənz/, with stress on the first syllable. The word is often hotly debated due to ethical concerns about gender discrimination and societal effects on gender imbalance in certain regions.
Selective abortion refers to the practice of terminating a pregnancy based on the desired characteristics of the fetus or for medical reasons. It involves making a deliberate decision to end a pregnancy when certain conditions or traits are identified, typically through prenatal testing, which may include genetic screening or diagnostic procedures. The decision to undergo a selective abortion is usually based on factors such as fetal abnormalities, potential disabilities, or sex selection.
Selective abortions are primarily performed when the fetus is at an early stage of development. The procedure may involve medical interventions, such as medication-induced abortion, or surgical methods like dilation and curettage (D&C) or vacuum aspiration.
The controversial nature of selective abortions arises from ethical, cultural, and societal concerns. Critics argue that such practices raise questions about the right to life, disability rights, gender inequality, and eugenics. Alternatively, proponents argue that selective abortions can be a compassionate choice, allowing parents to make decisions based on the well-being of the child and their own circumstances.
Selective abortions have been subject to varying legal regulations across countries. Some nations strictly restrict their use, while others may allow selective abortions for specific reasons, such as protecting maternal health or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities.
It is essential to note that the term "selective abortions" should not be confused with the broader concept of abortion, which typically refers to the termination of a pregnancy for any reason prior to fetal viability. Selective abortions specifically emphasize the choice to end a pregnancy based on selectively identified characteristics or conditions.
The term "selective abortions" is a combination of two words: "selective" and "abortions".
The word "selective" originates from the Latin word "selectus", which means "picked out" or "chosen". It is derived from the verb "seligere", which comprises "se" meaning "apart" and "legere" meaning "to choose". Over time, it has come to mean choosing or picking out from a group based on specific criteria or preferences.
The word "abortion" comes from the Latin word "abortus" or "abortionem", meaning "miscarriage" or "premature birth". It is derived from the Latin verb "aboriri", which combines "ab" meaning "away" and "oriri" meaning "to rise" or "be born".