Drop in fertility rate seen as good news

The department of statistics recently announced that the fertility rate in Malaysia had hit an all time low of 1.8 babies per woman.

PETALING JAYA: A reproductive expert has welcomed news of a drop in the fertility rate as a positive development, saying it shows that the quality of life in Malaysia is improving.

Dr John Teo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Kota Kinabalu, told FMT the main drivers of decreases in fertility were economic development, better access to healthcare, improved infant care and higher participation of women in the work force .

He also said gender equality in Malaysia had led to better education for women.

“All associated factors are positive and a mark of a country maturing, with a greater need to tackle complex issues such as innovation, artificial intelligence, digital economies and artistic freedom, to name a few,” he said.

“This is in contrast to the bread and butter issues of housing, transportation and communicable diseases that are prevalent in many developing countries.”

He noted that fertility rates were falling around the world, especially in developed countries. The worldwide rate in 2018 was 2.4 births per woman, down from 4.7 in 1950.

However, Teo said there was still a need to improve policies and support for planned pregnancies.

“Planned pregnancies with an adequate inter-pregnancy interval of two years or more have been shown to decrease maternal and fetal complications and deaths,” he said.

“Mothers who are healthier and have healthy babies are able to contribute more effectively to their jobs and commitments, to be less dependent on spouses and to achieve greater heights in their careers and professions.”

He advised against what he called “indiscriminate encouragement” of women to have more children in an attempt to boost the fertility rate, arguing that it would be hazardous to public health.

He said such encouragement could take the form of telling all women to avoid contraceptives and thus increasing the risk of a rise in unintended pregnancies.

Statistics have shown that 50% of all unintended pregnancies end up being aborted. A significant proportion of the abortions would be carried out in unsafe conditions, Teo said.

“The health of the woman is compromised in many ways. They tend to have less antenatal care and more pregnancy complications and may, in the long-term, suffer from diminished economic and career potential.”

The department of statistics recently announced that the fertility rate in Malaysia had hit an all time low of 1.8 babies per woman. - FMT