In Nepal, the country’s gender gap is widening as illegal sex-selective abortions continue to claim the lives of unborn girls.  Abortion was legalized over two decades ago in Nepal, though sex selective abortions remain illegal. Unfortunately, these laws are rarely enforced.  

Cultural preference for sons means many families choose to end pregnancies when the baby is female, leading to far more boys than girls being born. In the last year, nearly 17 percent fewer girls were born than boys, a dramatic imbalance that experts warn could have serious long-term social consequences.  

Abortion is often used just like this to discriminate against the most vulnerable.