Religious Leaders Speak Out Against Abortion of Female Babies

November 8, 2005

Source: New Kerala News

Wire Service: IANS

http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=49804

On November 8, 2005 the Indo-Asian News Service reported, "Raising their voice against gender discrimination, several religious luminaries Tuesday pledged to lead a movement against sex selection which has resulted in a sharp decline in girl population in many parts of the country. The brainchild of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the all-religious party meet was organised in the capital by the Art of Living Foundation spiritual head Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to send out a message that there can be no greater sin than killing a girl child... 'Given the prevailing situation in the country, how can we turn a blind eye (to this)?' said Shankar, who plans to join hands with all other religious leaders to press home the message that well-being of women is intrinsic to the prosperity of a family and economic development. A common sentiment expressed by leaders of all religions - Sikh, Jain, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and sects like Brahma Kumaris among others was that misuse of new techniques to have a male child rather than a healthy child amounts to murder and insult to a mother who is revered in Indian tradition as being next only to god."