Abstract

Increasing rates of sex selective abortions due to son preference have been observed in several countries across the globe. The impact on reproductive health rights, discrimination and violence, and demographic imbalance constitute key areas of concern for the international community. International organizations as well as national governments have put the issue on their agenda. By comparing policies at different levels, the paper sheds light on the respective governments’ approach and the correspondence with international organizations’ recommendations. Whereas in China, India, and South Korea a mixture of facilitative and restrictive policies could have been identified, other countries governments’ have not yet developed holistic approaches. International organizations recommend interventions in five policy areas: legislation, advocacy, health care, support, and research. However, within this recommendation framework the use of reproductive technology and family balancing, the future dimension of son preference and implementation research are not (adequately) addressed.