Hey Bluedaisy,
I love this forum too, I have learned so much from my fellow Forum Junkies
In the book I am currently Reading "Wanting a Daughter, Needing a Son" they talk about this a great deal. It seems there are some areas of China that have loosened their policies and have a "One son/Two Child" policy. There is speculation that when this policy was liberalized is when they have an upsurge of abandonment’s.
It is also speculated that many of the abandoned girls are second daughters. And parents "get rid of" the second girl so they can try again for a son.
I wish that there were no restrictions, if that meant there would be less children abandoned. But there is a strong cultural need for boys especially in the rural regions. Boys are the parents’ social security/nursing home/elder care. Girls become their husbands and are expected to take care of their in-laws not here own folks.
It is a great question, but one I wish I had a better answer.
I think there needs to be not only a loosening of policy, but an up turn in the economy and change in culture. Not all of which will be quick in happening.
Ethiopia is a program I am looking at now for our second child, you'll have to PM me and let me know about your experience
Hugs,