Kathmandu, Oct. 15 -- In a bid to curb sex-selective abortions being illegally practised in several parts of the country, the Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services has decided to monitor private hospitals and abortion centres.

The move of the division comes after several studies as well as national newborn data showed a wide gap between the number of boys and girls.

"We have allocated the budget to monitor private hospitals and clinics which provide abortion services," Dr Punya Poudel, chief of Safe Motherhood Programme at the Division, told the Post. "We will start monitoring such centres to curb female foeticide."

As per the abortion law, parents, as well as the service provider, will be fined up to Rs 50,00...