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Aborting female fetuses has been going on in India for several years. However, even within India there are vast regional variations; the ratio of live births for boys:girls is close to normal in West Bengal (and I believe some of the southern states). This does reflect the differences in how women/girls are viewed in Bengal vs other states. Girls are not preferred, but they're not hated. Perhaps this tolerance is a result of lower dowry requirements in Bengal (although dowries are illegal throughout the country). A few years ago there was an article by Amartya Sen in the New Republic with more details than I can give. I can say that both my cousins in West Bengal India are the proud fathers of intelligent, and much loved daughters.
