Letters | Are Hongkongers aware of the health benefits of having a baby?

Readers discuss information the government should publicise to encourage couples to have children, the treatment of people with gender dysphoria, and the phenomenon of young people choosing to ‘lie flat’

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Kelvin Chan, his wife Judy Lo and their daughter Leah welcome the newest member of their family, Miles, at the CUHK Medical Centre in Sha Tin on February 10. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 11:30am, 29 Apr 2024

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In the recent Diploma of Secondary Education English writing paper, there was a question about Hong Kong’s low birth rate. This topic resonates with me as during my master’s studies on population health in London, my colleagues were often astonished by our remarkably low birth rate, despite our notably high life expectancy.

In reality, this trend is not unique to Hong Kong, but rather a global occurrence. Even in India, which recently surpassed China as the world’s most populated country, there has been a noticeable decline in the birth rate.

Hong Kong is particularly susceptible to this issue as people live longer. The decreasing birth rate is unsustainable for our city’s future as it signifies a diminishing workforce and a higher proportion of elderly people in the population.

The reasons behind Hong Kong’s low birth rate are multifaceted. Many attribute it to financial constraints, as young married couples struggle to afford their own home in the face of skyrocketing housing prices, along with the expenses involved in providing their children with quality schooling, tutorials and other kinds of training in this highly competitive city.

Another reason applicable not only to Hong Kong but to the world at large is the rise of individualism among women. Women are increasingly focusing on education and their career, and are less inclined to prioritise childbirth during their childbearing years.