Abstract
Objective: To determine the influence of women’s reproductive autonomy over sex biased coercive miscarriages in gynecological rural establishments of South Punjab, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Basic Health Units (BHUs), private clinics, Lady Health Visitors’ (LHVs) consultant centers and non-registered/illegal native gynecological and obstetric establishments of South Punjab, from April 18, 2016 to July, 11, 2018. Ever married pregnant women (N=71), utilizing these private, non-registered and illegal gynecological centers for the abortion of their female fetus were included in the study, using convenient sampling technique.
Results: The age group of 25-34 years’ experienced 41.712 times more gender biased coercive miscarriages. Moreover, joint family system (N=55, 77.5%) and being non-occupational (N=44, 62.0%) became influential factors (i.e. 22.674 and 10.449 times) towards sex biased coercive miscarriages. Mothers were considered to be weak and devalued with the birth of daughters (N=69, 97.2%). A significant majority of respondents (N=57, 80.3%) agreed that they experienced sex biased coercive miscarriages due to lack of their autonomous power related to their reproductive behavior.
Conclusion: Women aged 25-34 years, having rural residence, joint family system, non-occupational and low family income were more inclined towards sex biased coercive miscarriages. In addition, husband and in-laws were more influential in determining son preferences among pregnant women. Furthermore, lack of women’s autonomy over their reproductive behavior resulted in sex biased coercive miscarriages.
