Gender imbalance at birth and its consequences

The sex ratio at birth reflects the natural balance between boys and girls at birth according to the biological norm of 104 - 106 boys/100 girls. When this ratio exceeds 106 boys/100 girls, it shows a difference from the normal biological level and reflects intentional interventions in the gender aspect. In Hung Yen province, from the beginning of the year to June 18, 2025, the sex ratio at birth was 120 boys/100 girls. The sex imbalance at birth (SRB) will affect the natural imbalance, threaten population stability and cause many unpredictable consequences.

Nguyen Thi Nhung and her husband in Phuong Nam commune, Hung Yen city, have two daughters, but because her husband is an only child, the whole family puts pressure on her to give birth to a son to continue the family line. Nearly two years ago, she secretly sought out the experiences of some women and private clinics in giving birth to a son. After that, she and her husband followed the diet and lifestyle instructions.

Population collaborators of Tong Phan commune (Phu Cu) communicate about gender imbalance at birth to women of childbearing age.

Ms. Nhung said: During that time, my husband and I were under pressure to have a son. After many ultrasounds, taking intervention drugs and applying diets and lifestyles, I finally got pregnant and gave birth to a son, but there were also many cases where things did not go as planned. After each time like that, the losses in health, spirit and money were the things that women had to bear the most.

The situation of MCBGTKS occurs in most localities and there is a gender gap at birth even in the first birth; the level of MCBGTKS is higher in couples with high education and good economic conditions. Ms. Le Thi Tuyen, acting Head of the Commune Health Station, concurrently in charge of population in Tong Phan Commune (Phu Cu) said: There are many causes leading to MCBGTKS, but the root cause is gender prejudice. The idea of wanting to have a son to continue the family line has been "deeply rooted" in the subconscious of many individuals. In addition, with the development of modern medicine, most people can access ultrasound and abortion services for the purpose of gender selection.

The consequences of the gender imbalance in Vietnam are warned by the United Nations Population Fund to become a serious problem in the future, significantly affecting the gender structure and demographics. It is predicted that if the sex ratio at birth remains uncontrolled at the current level, Vietnam will have a surplus of about 1.5 million men in the age group of 15-49 by 2034 and this number will increase to 2.5 million by 2059. In the near future, Hung Yen province will also face the problem of male surplus. This situation makes it difficult for many men to get married, especially men with low socio-economic backgrounds, leading to a breakdown of family structures, an increase in the number of lonely elderly people without support; The risk of labor shortage in some industries and professions that are suitable for women such as: teachers, nurses, garment workers... Increasing the gender ratio at birth also increases gender inequality, early marriage, incestuous marriage, violence, trafficking of women and girls, prostitution...

In addition, to have a son, many women have to have multiple abortions or try to have more sons, which negatively affects their health and increases the cost of health care for women. Some families still maintain the custom of only allowing sons to join the family and register their names in the family tree, leading to women being subjected to pressure, stigma, discrimination, and even violence due to the preference for sons; the value and status of women without sons are lowered.

In order to bring the sex ratio at birth back to a natural balance, the Provincial Department of Population and Family Planning (DS-KHHGĐ) has promoted communication activities with contents on the current situation, causes and solutions to reduce MCBGTKS, consequences of MCBGTKS; propaganda on the prohibition of diagnosis and selection of fetal sex; gendereducation , gender equality... for couples of childbearing age, students. Through communication sessions at the grassroots level, media, leaflets, brochures, integrated conferences and through the population collaborators... have contributed to raising awareness, responsibility and behavior of each individual, family and community towards reducing MCBGTKS.

However, to Minimizing the consequences of MCBGTKS requires the participation and cooperation of the whole community, especially all levels and sectors in propaganda and education work to raise awareness, attitudes and change people's behavior, gradually eliminate gender prejudices among a part of the people and strengthen the work. inspection by competent authorities of the implementation of regulations on the prohibition of fetal sex selection for medical facilities...

Ruby

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/mat-can-bang-gioi-tinh-khi-sinh-va-nhung-he-luy-3182175.html