The Curious Case Of Shrinking Birth Rates In India

Recent studies and reports reveal- the case of ‘shortage of children’ in India. Sounds shocking? Read on to find out more.
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In Mahabharatha, when Kunti accidentally tried the sacred mantra and Karna was 'gifted' to her by the Sun God, she went into a state of shock and disbelief. She loathed the 'unwanted' child, but later, as the epic goes, rued the fact that she missed raising her dear child. Sadly, there are many such Kuntis in India who are waiting for the 'gift of a child' through some miracle or another.

Over the years, India has always been seen as a densely populated country and the total population numbers have been sky high. But little did we know about what recent studies and reports are revealing now- the case of 'shortage of children' in India. Sounds shocking? Read on to find out more.

Family Planning:

Family planning, as perceived by many of us- has always meant to be a means to restrict unwanted childbirth and teenage pregnancies. But are we missing the key point here? Family planning- as proposed by the Government, should include measures to help a couple to 'plan their intended family'. Recent reports suggest that the Total Fertility Rates (TFR) in India have come down from 2.5 in 1993 to 1.4 in 2011.

The reasons for the falling TFR are attributed to the below:

  • Aggressive Family Planning campaign over the last decade.
  • Increase in usage of contraceptives because of scare of STD and HIV.
  • Lifestyle habits causing infertility.

fertility data- indian states- kidsstoppress

Image source: scroll.in

From increased family planning and contraceptive methods to reduce the population, the scenario is slowly changing to a case of 'desire for children'. A recent article published in The Economist suggests that world over, people are concerned about the fact that they have fewer children than they wish to, or none at all. In addition to the above reasons being a cause for infertility, the recent studies conducted by many have concluded that poor health facilities to deliver and raise a kid as well socio-economic constraints are the biggest reasons for the shortfall. India being a diverse land with many cultures and religious aspects being valued severely, it was earlier thought that religion influenced the TFR and the decision to have a kid or not among the masses. But another analysis done by IndiaSpend using government data and research evidence has shown that religion is not a key influencing factor. 

Though religion has been negated as a key influencer, societal pressure adds to enough tension and discord among the common man. Infertility or the inability to conceive is still a social stigma, not only in India, but in many countries the world over. The worry of not having enough children as desired or unable to have enough kids is known to cause depressing issues among the involved adults and further troubles in their societal life.

The Road Ahead:

kids data_kidsstoppress

Image source: The Economist

A poll conducted for this purpose in The Economist shows a staggering fact that the ideal family in Asia's three largest countries- China, India and Indonesia is now smaller than the ideal family in Britain or America. Contraception innovations and In vitro fertilization methods both exist in the same society hand-in-hand. As much as people who do not desire kids (at the present) for various reasons, the need and plight of people striving to have kids is to be met. It involves a sea change in the healthcare front from the government and to make these alternate fertilization treatments easy and affordable. In many cases, hopeful couples who run from pillar to post expecting for miracles in the form of treatments, it isn't easy. The treatment procedures, in itself are very extensive and long drawn (case-specific) and the amount of money spent on the same if very high. Only people who are capable financially (and emotionally) to invest all their savings on the treatment, venture out boldly to do so.

To make the option viable and open to all, the government needs to regulate the measures involved in this huge and vital industry to save the endless waiting 'to-be parents'.

Image source:thecarpenterspen.com

 

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