Indian PM says stop aborting foetuses

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the widespread practice of aborting female foetuses is a national shame.

Experts believe up to 500,000 female foetuses are being aborted every year due to a preference in India for male children.

Speaking at a conference on Monday, Singh said: ''this is a national shame and we must face this challenge squarely here and now.''