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The Fertility Myth
Context:
Recently, the Supreme Court stayed the release of “Hamare Baarah” (originally “Hum Do, Hamare Barah”) and directed the Bombay High Court to decide.
More on News:
- The High Court approved the release with some scenes removed and disclaimers added.
- Slogans like “Hum Paanch, Hamare Pachchees” have been used to target Muslim community, perpetuating myths about Muslim fertility rates.
Fertility Rates Declining Across Religious Groups
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows many states have reached replacement-level fertility.
- India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined to 2.0 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Over two decades, fertility rates among all religious communities have declined, with Muslims dropping sharply from 4.4 in 1992-93 to 2.3 in 2019-20.
- The current difference between Hindu (1.94) and Muslim (2.36) fertility rates is only 0.42, suggesting an “absolute convergence” by 2030.
- The Economic Survey 2018-19 and Sample Registration System (SRS) 2017 highlight a deceleration in India’s population growth.
- It is expected to slow to less than 1% from 2021-31 and under 0.5% from 2031-41.
Factors Influencing Fertility Rates
- The Population Foundation of India observed that education, healthcare, and socio-economic development impact fertility rates.
- Factors such as GDP per capita, child mortality, and urbanisation are significant contributors.
- States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu showed lower TFRs than Bihar that had less access to these resources.
- Education is the most important determinant of fertility rates.
- The higher the level of the mother’s education, the lower the fertility across religious groups.
- Increased schooling for girls and women often leads to later marriages, delayed childbearing, and smaller families.
- Muslims are the most economically disadvantaged, with lower education and health levels evident in their low higher education enrollment.
- Family planning programs, promoting women’s rights and contraceptive use, are among the factor influencing fertility rates
Reproductive Health Rights and Individual Choice
- Women, especially from marginalised communities, have limited autonomy in fertility decisions and restricted access to contraception and reproductive care.
- Misconceptions about Muslim fertility directly impact Muslim women’s rights to have or not have children, violating their right to life and dignity.
- Discussions on population growth and fertility should prioritise sexual and reproductive health rights, individual choice.
Suchita Srivastava vs Chandigarh Administration: 
