Analysis of socio-political and health practices influencing sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam

Nguyen Pham, Hall, Wayne D., Hill, Peter S. and Rao, Chalapati P.V. (2008) Analysis of socio-political and health practices influencing sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam. Reproductive Health Matters, 16 32: 176-184.


Author Nguyen Pham
Hall, Wayne D.
Hill, Peter S.
Rao, Chalapati P.V.
Title Analysis of socio-political and health practices influencing sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam
Journal name Reproductive Health Matters  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2008-11-01
Sub-type Article
Year available 2008
DOI 10.1016/S0968-8080(08)32412-4
Volume number 16
Issue number 32
ISSN 0968-0808, 1460-9576
Start page 176
End page 184
Total pages 9
Editor M. Berer
Place of publication The Netherlands
Publisher Elsevier BV
Collection year 2009
Language eng
Subject C1
920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified
111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified
11 Medical and Health Sciences
1117 Public Health and Health Services
Abstract Viet Nam has experienced rapid social change over the last decade, with a remarkable decline in fertility to just below replacement level. The combination of fertility decline, son preference, antenatal sex determination using ultrasound and sex selective abortion are key factors driving increased sex ratios at birth in favour of boys in some Asian countries. Whether or not this is taking place in Viet Nam as well is the subject of heightened debate. In this paper, we analyse the nature and determinants of sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, including a small family size norm, recent reinforcement by the Government of the “one-to-two child” family policy, traditional son preference, easy access to antenatal ultrasound screening and legal abortion, and an increase in the proportion of one-child families. In order to prevent an increased sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, we argue for the relaxation of the one-to-two child family policy and a return to the policy of “small family size” as determined by families, in tandem with a comprehensive approach to promoting the value of women and girls in society, countering traditional gender roles, and raising public awareness of the negative social consequences of a high sex ratio at birth.
Keyword Son Preference
Ultrasound
Sex determination and selection
Sex selective abortion
Population policy
Viet Nam
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code

 
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Created: Mon, 16 Mar 2009, 14:35:03 EST by Geraldine Fitzgerald on behalf of Faculty Of Health Sciences