Gender-biased sex selection

Today, around 126 million women are believed to be "missing" around the world – the result of son preference and gender-biased sex selection, a form of discrimination. Since the 1990s, some areas have seen up to 25 per cent more male births than female births. The rise in sex selection is alarming as it reflects the persistent low status of women and girls. The resulting gender imbalance also has a damaging effect on societies. Instances of increased sexual violence and trafficking have already been linked to the phenomenon. UNFPA is calling for renewed attention to the issue at a global level, and is accelerating efforts to develop programmes and policies that end all forms of discrimination, including son preference and gender-biased sex selection.