A 37-year-old woman in Haryana has become the centre of a national conversation after giving birth to her eleventh child, a son, following ten daughters. The event has ignited fresh debates on the persistent preference for male children and the associated risks to maternal health in parts of India.
A High-Risk Delivery in Jind
The baby boy was born earlier this week at a private hospital in Uchana town, located in Jind district. The mother, who has been married to daily-wage labourer Sanjay Kumar for 19 years, was admitted on January 3 and delivered the next day. Dr. Narveer Sheoran of Ojas Hospital and Maternity Home confirmed it was a high-risk delivery, requiring the administration of three units of blood during the procedure.
"In the end, it was a normal delivery and things were managed well," stated Dr. Sheoran, adding that the delivery was handled by his gynaecologist wife, Dr. Santosh. Remarkably, both mother and newborn were reported to be in fine health, and the woman returned to her village in the neighbouring Fatehabad district within 24 hours of giving birth.
Father's Perspective and Social Media Backlash
Speaking to the press, the father, 38-year-old Sanjay Kumar, expressed his long-held desire for a son. "We were keen that there should be a son and some of my elder daughters also wished to have a brother," he said. Married in 2007, Kumar stated that most of his daughters are attending school, with the eldest currently in Class 12.
"Within my meagre means, I am trying to give my daughters a good education... Whatever has happened was god's will and I am happy with it," Kumar added. He also pushed back against accusations of gender bias, saying, "I also think that girls are capable of achieving anything these days and they have proved their mettle in various fields. They are making everyone proud."
However, a viral video showing Kumar struggling to recall the names of all ten of his daughters fuelled further criticism on social media regarding patriarchal attitudes. The incident has put a spotlight on Haryana's historically worrying sex ratio, which, despite recent improvements, continues to lag behind the national average.
Broader Implications for Maternal Health and Society
This case starkly highlights the severe maternal health risks associated with high-parity pregnancies. Medical experts consistently warn that each subsequent pregnancy increases potential complications for the mother. The fact that this delivery was medically classified as high-risk and required blood transfusion underscores these dangers.
The story transcends a single family's narrative, touching upon deep-seated socio-cultural issues. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge to eradicate son preference, which impacts family planning decisions and poses significant health threats to women. The conversation sparked by this birth calls for continued efforts in public awareness about gender equality and accessible healthcare.
