Sex ratio discrepancy declines – Baby steps to narrow gender imbalance

While news outlets tend to get hysterical about the country’s gender imbalance problem, latest statistics suggest a much more optimistic view: in 2009, there were 119.45 male newborns for every 100 females, down from 120.56 in 2008.

Studies have also found discrepancies in census figures. Families shouldered with female children, instead of aborting them, merely choose not to declare them.

Girls make gains on boys

The annual male-female birth ratio in China slightly narrowed by 1.11 points to 119.45 boys born for every 100 girls last year, the first drop since 2006, a population official said on June 3.

The figure indicated the ratio of males to females was about 119 to 100 and the widening gender gap was slowing, Li Bin, director of China’s Population and Family Planning Commission, told a work conference in Hefei, Anhui Province.

The country has seen the sex ratio at birth increasing since the 1980s and it has been recorded as high as 130 males for every 100 females in some provinces.

Chinese traditionally hold a preference for male heirs, especially in rural areas. Wider use of ultrasound and abortions has also caused the imbalance to increase significantly in recent years.

“Looked at from a comprehensive perspective, the lopsided sex ratio at birth has started to be contained,” Li said.

She said it would take many more years to consolidate the trend, calling for more vigilance in rooting out pre-birth gender scans and abortions that do not serve a medical purpose.

(Agencies)