The attitude to abortion and it’s relation to the Indian society

First of all has to be said that in the Indian society the people seem to look much more on physical changes or appearances than e.g. in Europe. As it is said in the text, Maji recognizes very early that the narrator is pregnant, long before she even notices it. Accordingly, she warned her to be careful, because in a few days all midwives in the town will follow her, noticing her special way of walking and holding. This job seems to be widely spread, because also Maji’s mum and grandmother were midwives, who taught her everything they knew. By that we can conclude that most of the midwifes are not academically accomplished women, but normal wives who learnt their profession by practice and the knowledge that their ancestors bequeathed („[...] spent several years going to holy places to pick up whatever instruction she could“ P. 128, ll. 23-24).

In addition, abortion appears to be an often used way to get rid of unintentional children. Only after telling her a bit about her life, Maji offers the narrator to perform an abortion, if she wanted it. She already did it several times, some years ago, and still does know everything about it.

As we gather from the text, a pregnancy in India is not the same as here in Europe or the USA. Probably, a wife has to be married first and also after it, shouldn’t become pregnant if it’s not the right time. „[...] In some cases it is the only way to save people from dishonour and suffering„(P. 129, ll. 8-9). That indicates the attitude towards unwanted pregnancies. It seems to be like in our society, but some hundred years ago, when children were born out of wedlock and their mothers were discriminated and a disgrace for their families. Because of that, many had to marry because of a pregnancy, or were hidden somewhere far away from their homes.