Katha Pollitt in the Nation, excoriates Feminists for Life because, you know, abortion is necessary for women’s selfhood. If she can live to find a self.

NEW DELHI – It’s a scenario that’s hit India straight in the gut.

Some time in the future in a village in eastern India, there are only a few women left. As a result, five brothers are married to one woman — who then take turns brutalising her every night.

This may be the figment of a Bollywood film-maker’s imagination, but activists say the film, "Matrubhoomi" is a wakeup call in a country plagued by two of the most horrific crimes against women: infanticide and female foeticide.

"Infanticide may still be there in small pockets, but foeticide is more rampant," said Akhila Shivdas of the Centre for Advocacy and Research.

"They believe why wait for nine months to eliminate a baby girl when they can do it in just eight weeks."