Factors leading to sex selective abortion in Canada: a preliminary investigation

This study builds on recent evidence that sex selective abortion—the abortion of female fetuses on the sole basis of sex—is occurring in Canada. Sex selection is an act of discrimination against females that is motivated by son preference, the belief that male children are superior to female children. Eighty individuals of Asian descent participated in an online survey designed to identify the primary factors leading to female-specific sex selective abortion in Canada. Sixty-six females and 14 males, representing 18 different countries, completed the survey. Both immigrants and the children of immigrants participated. Seventy percent of participants indicated they had immigrated to Canada during their lifetime. The study finds that ideas traditionally associated with son preference persist within the Canadian context and illuminates some unique aspects of son preference in Canada. The study draws on these findings to recommend next steps for policy responses.