Differentials in Mortality by Sex

Differentials in Mortality by Sex Malini Karkal The gap between the life expectancies of males and females at birth in India has shown a steady decline since 1961 Along with this has been a change in the sex ratios favouring females. White this is being generally seen as an indication of the improvement of health of women, a careful analysis of the sexwise changes in mortality patterns and of the health status of women and children belies this argument. For, although the life expectancy for females has improved, most of this gain has accrued to the older age groups. Moreover, the continuing high rates of infant mortality, especially in the perinatal period, and the large proportion of low birth weight babies with poor chances of survival is a clear indication of the poor health of women in India.