Son Born After 10 Daughters in Haryana, 11th Delivery Raises Alarms on Health and Son Preference

A 37-year-old woman from Uchana town in Haryana’s Jind district has given birth to her 11th child — a son — after delivering 10 daughters over 19 years of marriage. While the family has welcomed the newborn with joy, the case has triggered serious concerns among doctors and social observers over maternal health risks and the persistent preference for a male child.

The woman was admitted to a private hospital in Uchana on January 3 after experiencing labour pain. According to doctors, the pregnancy was medically high-risk due to repeated childbirths, severe anaemia and physical exhaustion. During delivery, the woman required three units of blood. Despite complications, doctors managed a normal delivery, and both mother and child were discharged in stable condition the following day.

Hospital officials said the woman’s haemoglobin level was dangerously low, around five grams, and repeated pregnancies had weakened her uterus. Medical experts stressed that such cases significantly increase the risk of complications, including haemorrhage, infection and long-term health damage.

The woman’s husband, Sanjay Kumar, said the family was happy to welcome a son after years of hoping for one. He added that their ten daughters are all school-going, with the eldest studying in Class XII. Though he has denied claims of gender discrimination, the scandal has revived discussions about the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that still impacts reproductive patterns in the north Indian regions.

The social media response to this incident has been varied, with some people questioning the need for a woman to deliver more children until she has a son. A video that was trending on social media of the father trying to remember the names of the daughters has exacerbated the issue.

The case has highlighted the importance of improved maternal healthcare systems and awareness about family planning and changing sons’ preference in an op-ed piece in The Straits Times by health activists, reporting that otherwise, it “would mean that women’s health continues to be sacrificed for brothers.”