Hasib observed that sex-selection abortion is not legally encouraged in India. In fact, it is illegal, she said. However, the laws are not always enforced and can easily be circumvented through bribery.
The fundamental problem is not the legal system, but the cultural fact that girls are not valued, Hasib stated.
In these cultures "the birth of a son is celebrated" because boys will help provide a living and carry on the family's future. But the birth of a daughter, she explained, is "considered a burden," because the family must protect her virtue, find a husband for her and provide a dowry.
"Girls are a burden," Hasib said. "That is the beginning of this horrific crime."
So if any real change is to take root, the author believes that it must be cultural as well as legal.
"Our attitude needs to change," she said, arguing that girls must be seen not as a "misfortune" but as being "as valuable as the sun itself." People must recognize the dignity of women and the value of their nurturing and life-giving role, as well as their many contributions to society, she added.
Hasib stressed that if the movement to value women is to gain momentum, then "the world needs to get involved," and if the world is watching, change will take place more quickly.
In particular, she believes that the United States, as the "most powerful country" in the world, needs to do more to fight the injustice of female gendercide. Once the U.S. speaks up, the "collective conscience" of the world is raised, she said.
Hasib applauded recent efforts to raise awareness of the issue within the United States. She praised a bill introduced in the House of Representatives which attempted to prohibit sex-selection abortion in the U.S.
The bill came to a vote amid the release of several undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood clinics around the country cooperating in sex-selection abortions.
Although the legislation did not succeed, Hasib called it "fantastic" that people are "taking notice" and word of gendercide is beginning to spread.
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As a woman from an Eastern culture, the Bangladeshi author feels that she has a responsibility to speak up for the many women and girls who cannot.
"I am one of the fortunate ones," she said. "I have a voice."
She hopes that her book will help draw greater attention to the horror of gendercide in all of its manifestations throughout the world.
"We have to be aware of this," she insisted.
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.