The right to decide whether or not to have children.

Having children is a right, raising them well is a responsibility.

According to the UNFPA's State of the World Population 2025 report, many people are unable to build the families they desire. A survey of people in 14 countries, representing more than one-third of the world's population, revealed that their true desires regarding reproductive life and their future, as well as their belief in their ability to achieve those desires, show that very few people are able to make the most personal and impactful decisions for their lives.

Data published by UNFPA over the past five years also shows that one in ten women cannot decide whether or not to use contraception. Approximately one-quarter of women lack the autonomy to make decisions about their own healthcare, and many cannot refuse sexual activity. Consequently, millions remain unable to exercise their reproductive rights and freedom of choice.

The right to decide whether or not to have children - Image 1.

Having children is a right, raising them well is a responsibility.

PHOTO: PHUONG AN CREATED BY GEMINI AI

The barriers to avoiding unwanted pregnancies and starting a family are often similar, including: economic insecurity, discrimination, lack of support from partners and the community, low quality of sexual and reproductive health care, limited access to affordable services such as childcare or education…

In Vietnam, the Population Department ( Ministry of Health ) disseminated the message in response to World Population Day on July 11th: Having children is a right, raising children well is a responsibility; Let the birth of a boy or a girl follow the natural course; Avoid teenage pregnancy for your own health, future, and happiness; Avoid child marriage and consanguineous marriage to protect the lineage; Develop high-quality human resources to bring the country into a new era…

Implementing solutions to improve population quality.

According to the Hanoi Department of Health, the current average height of 18-year-old Hanoi residents is 167.5 cm for males and 156.5 cm for females. The goal is to reach an average height of 169 cm for males and 158 cm for females by 2030, through solutions aimed at improving population quality.

Specifically, interventions to reduce the rate of malnutrition in children will continue to be implemented. Currently, the rate of underweight malnutrition in children under 5 years old is 6.6%; stunting is 9.8%; and the rate of obesity in children under 5 years old is controlled at 1.1%. The rate of prenatal screening for 4 diseases is expected to reach 84% in 2024, and is projected to reach 85% in 2025; the rate of newborn screening for 5 diseases is expected to reach 89% in 2024, and is projected to reach 90% in 2025.

Hanoi continues to conduct screening and counseling on thalassemia for high school students in ethnic minority areas, screening approximately 5,000 people annually; and screening for hearing impairment for over 30,000 preschool children in kindergartens each year. The average life expectancy of Hanoi residents is projected to reach 76.3 years in 2024 and 76.5 years in 2025.

The right to reproductive self-determination is not simply about freedom.

According to UNFPA, reproductive self-determination is not simply about freedom, freedom from coercion, or access to better services, but also encompasses comprehensive conditions that enable people to truly exercise their reproductive rights and freedom of choice on the basis of gender equality, economic stability, physical and mental health, and confidence in the future. Policies need to directly address these concerns by ensuring full reproductive rights and health for all; providing long-term, continuous support for parents and families; and ending gender-based violence and discriminatory practices.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quyen-tu-quyet-dinh-sinh-con-185250712150440878.htm