Despite improvements in the healthcare sector, a disheartening reality persists:
‘India still accounts for the highest number of maternal deaths in the world, with 35,000 pregnant individuals succumbing every year to pregnancy and childbirth complications.’
‘According to the National Family Health Survey-5, India's total fertility rate stands at 2.2 births per woman, with significant regional disparities. ‘
‘In 2015, an estimated 15.6 million abortions occurred in the country, with a staggering 81% taking place outside of health facilities.’
‘India bears the third-highest burden of HIV/AIDS globally, with approximately 2.4 million people living with HIV.’
‘As per the NFHS-5, a distressing 31% of ever-married women aged 15-49 have endured physical or sexual violence from their spouses.’
Confronted with these stark facts, one might find it disheartening, despite the pride we hold in being Indians. India, entrenched in age-old patriarchy and gender discrimination, extends this bias into its healthcare system. Women have endured physical, mental, and societal violence, along with the stigmas and taboos surrounding sexual and reproductive health. Their agency over their own bodies and minds has been denied, and they've been coerced into conforming to societal norms.
While there have been some improvements, the ground reality remains precarious. This prompts us to envision an India free from the exploitations women have suffered for generations.
Despite strides in the medical and education sectors, numerous adolescents continue to engage in unsafe sexual practices, resulting in unwanted and early pregnancies. These practices not only affect their physical and mental well-being but also increase the risk of life-threatening diseases such as AIDS. Furthermore, the abandonment of pregnant daughters by parents, driven by the desire to protect family honor, coupled with inadequate nutrition and healthcare during pregnancy, leads to preventable maternal deaths.
Lack of awareness among couples about family planning leads to unprotected intercourse and larger, financially burdened families struggling to provide adequate nutrition.
In parts of the country where arranged and early marriages persist, men are granted agency over women, stripping women of most of their human rights. Shortly after marriage, they are consistently pressured to bear and conceive multiple children, often with a preference for at least one son, deemed the 'successor' or 'heir' to the family. This often compels couples to have multiple children.
Observing these distressing situations, one can't help but yearn for change and a brighter tomorrow. I envision an India that embodies the true values of equality and justice, where every woman, regardless of her class, caste, or hierarchy, possesses agency over her body.
As a democracy, India must promote policy implementation and assist its citizens in accessing all social welfare rights, policies, and programs. By prioritizing awareness campaigns and initiatives for family planning, facilitating the utilization of health insurance, and supporting schemes like Jachcha-Bachcha and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, we can reduce annual fatalities and provide families the promise of a happier and healthier future.
Therefore, I harbor hope for a country that practices inclusivity in all aspects of people's lives and policies, stands firmly for equality and justice for every individual, and supports its citizens in availing themselves of all government policies and programs.
