Una (HP), Aug 11: Himachal Pradesh figures among the states having the lowest Total fertility Rate (TFR) in the country. This has led to an alarming increase in infertility rates. The average fertility rate in the hill state currently stands at 1.5, said Dr Naresh Purohit, advisor, National Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme.
Sharing insights on this issue here today after virtually addressing a webinar on ‘Challenges due to Fertility decline’ organized by the Sirmaur-based Indian Institute of Management, executive member of the Federation for Reproductive Health Service India (FRHS), Dr Purohit averred that Himachal, which has a population of just around 75 lakh, the declining TFR is a cause for concern. Goa and Sikkim have a lower TFR than Himachal.
The noted reproductive health expert pointed out that infertility is increasingly becoming a global concern, with 1 in 4 couples in India facing difficulties conceiving. This alarming trend positions India as a potential epicenter for fertility challenges, particularly impacting couples in urban and semi-urban regions.
“The TFR in Himachal is falling consistently. From 1.9 in the National Family Health Survey-4 conducted in 2015-16 to 1.7 in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 in 2019-21, it has further slipped to 1.5, as per the National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh.” he said
He attributed the consistent decline in the TFR in the state mainly to increasing literacy among women.
“The TFR has a lot to do with the women’s literacy rate. The TFR falls as the literacy rate among women increases. In Himachal, as per the 2011 Census, the literacy rate among women reached 75.9 per cent,” he added.
He revealed that the knowledge and use of contraceptives among women in the state was also relatively higher, leading to a decline in the TFR. According to one recent study women are getting married late and in the 15 to 49 years age group, 75 per cent women are using contraceptives.
Experts pointed out that the rise in common hormonal disorder polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women of reproductive age and Pelvic inflammatory disease is also responsible for the surge in infertility.
They emphasized the urgent need for educational initiatives to address rising infertility rates, attributing them to lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
