The practice of aborting female foetuses is found mostly in China and other Asian countries. But it is prevalent in the Caucasus, too. Two new studies* look at why-and suggest the practice may spread. If nature takes its course, 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. Boys are more vulnerable to childhood diseases, so a slight preponderance of them at birth ensures equal numbers at puberty. But in Armenia and Azerbaijan more than 115 boys are born for every 100 girls and in Georgia the ratio is 120.
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