Sex-selective abortion is the practice of terminating a pregnancy based on the anticipated sex of the fetus. This is often influenced by cultural, social, or economic factors, where families may prefer one gender over another, typically favoring males in certain societies. The practice raises ethical concerns and can lead to significant gender imbalances in populations. Many countries have implemented laws to restrict or ban sex-selective abortions in an effort to promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls.