ABSTRACT
Females have a biological advantage in survival from the time of conception until old age. This advantage can be reversed by active discrimination against females, as is the case in much of South and East Asia. It can also be reversed under conditions of poor nutrition, high fertility, and high levels of maternal mortality. The main point in the lifecycle at which females may be placed at a biological disadvantage is during the childbearing years. The stresses of pregnancy and delivery take a toll on women. Women's reproductive health needs far more attention than it has received, but it is important to note that the totality of the burden of ill-health that women face as a result of discrimination far exceeds that arising from reproductive-health problems alone. Maternal education appears to have an impressive effect in improving child survival rates. Discrimination against women can also slow down the pace of health benefits derived from having fewer children.
