In adoption too, male child is preferred
Jan 14, 2004

The preference for male children is deep-rooted in society and it is not just restricted to having biological sons alone. Even in adoption, couples seem to be preferring sons over daughters. And while female foeticide is a cause for concern, equally disturbing is the growing number of destitute female children who have no-takers especially when it comes to adoption. While no authentic survey in this regard has been carried out, there is a long waiting list of couples wanting to adopt male children. "People prefer sons in adoption as well which shows the extent to which patriarchal attitudes govern our collective conscience,'' assert representatives of some non-government organisations. In fact, the question being asked by them is when nature does not make a difference between a boy and a girl, can and should human beings do it?

And while sex determination tests have been disallowed by law, adoption experts too feel that the same rule should apply to couples showing a marked preference for the male child. In this regard, they cite a recent order passed by the Rajasthan Government which has decided to end choice in adoption to clear the long waiting list of couples, most of whom have expressed a preference for the male child. "This is a good order and other States including Delhi must follow suit,'' they say. In several States, there is a long waiting list of couples wanting to adopt sons.

On the other hand, very few want to adopt a female child and therefore, their numbers are growing in creches and child welfare centres. "It is indeed a very ironic situation where we are finding more number of female children being abandoned by their parents but couples who want to adopt a baby want a male child. So, the decision of the Rajasthan Government to end choice in adoption is welcome.'' While the move has been criticised by the no-changers, it has also been argued that it can usher in a new trend in adoption where the sex of the child does not matter. "If the sex of the child should not matter at birth, it should not really matter during adoption as well,'' say the NGO representatives.

And while ending choice in adoption can help clear the waiting list of couples wanting to adopt a child, it will actually demonstrate a willingness to change mindsets, it has been pointed out. However, the no-changers argue that it actually amounts to forced adoption. "If nature does not provide any choice, why should the State do so. Talking about banning sex determination tests but continuing to allow the trend of preferring sons over daughters in adoption is downright hypocrisy.''

URL:- http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/14/stories/2004011405780400.htm