Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Knowledge on Female Foeticide Among Rural Women: A Study

Abstract

Female foeticide, the gender-selective abortion of female foetuses following illegal sex determination, remains one of India’s most pressing social and ethical challenges. Despite legal frameworks such as the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT), 1994, and numerous government-led Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives, gender bias continues to influence reproductive decisions. This study investigates rural women’s IEC knowledge on female foeticide in Mandya District, Karnataka. A structured questionnaire was administered to 385 respondents to evaluate awareness levels, information sources, and attitudes toward gender preference. Findings reveal that only 17.6% were aware of the term “female foeticide,” while 67% lacked any knowledge of it. Neighbours (44.9%) were identified as the most common source of information, while health professionals accounted for only 4.1%. The study underscores significant gaps in IEC dissemination and highlights the need for localized, culturally sensitive, and participatory communication strategies to address gender discrimination at the grassroots level.