Family planning and birth control in Tamil Nadu continue to be the sole responsibility of women, as Health Minister, M Subramanian observed in the skewed number of sterilisations performed for women versus men. He stated that 6,42,048 women underwent tubectomies, as compared to 2,535 men who underwent vasectomies in the last two and a half years.
According to a report, the Health Minister lauded the Tamil Nadu government's efforts in raising awareness on family planning methods, at a gathering on November 20. He added that the fertility rate in Tamil Nadu has dropped from 2.1 nearly 20 years ago to 1.4 in 2023, making it the State with the lowest fertility rate.
However, the State's awareness efforts seem to have only reached women, as men continue to avoid permanent contraceptive methods.
Women Bear Brunt of Family Planning
The National Family Health Survey-5 reveals that the percentage of female sterilisations from 2020 to 2021 in urban Tamil Nadu stood at 55.6% as compared to only 0.1% of male sterilisations during the same period. Similarly, in rural Tamil Nadu, 59.9% women underwent sterilisation as compared to 0.1% men.
Discussing the use of temporary contraceptives, M. Subramanian stated that 10,99,940 eligible women were identified for intrauterine devices (IUD), and 1,67,716 women opted for injectable contraceptives.
Commendable Family Planning in Tamil Nadu
According to the report, Subramanian said that the Census Organisation has revealed that the State's total fertility is likely to come under control from 2031-2036, and added that the population growth seems to be under control due to this.
He further stated the State's achievements in family welfare-- the birth rate has come down from 31.4 in 1971 to 13.8 now, while the death rate has gone down from 14.4 in 1971 to 6.1 now. Meanwhile, the maternal mortality ratio has gone down from 120 in 2000 to 54 (per one lakh live births) now, and the infant mortality rate has gone down from 113 to 13 (per 1000 live births) now.
M. Subramanian then presented awards to government medical college-hospital deans, joint and deputy directors of health services, and medical officers for performing well in the family planning awareness efforts of the State government.
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