Armenia annually loses about 1400 future mothers

December 19, 2011 - 13:34 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Baby boys are 6 times more welcome at Armenian families as compared to baby girls, according to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Armenia executive.

Based on his research, Gagik Hayrapetyan noted that 0,8% of 900 thousand women of reproductive age residing in Armenia have had abortions due to prenatal sex discernment. This implies annual loss of about 1400 potential mothers.

“National Statistical Service data observe disbalance in male-female ratio, totaling 115/100 instead of 105/100 in Armenia,” Mr. Hayrapetyan said, adding that attempts have been made to ascertain the reasons behind the imbalance that may lead to grave consequences and demographic problems in the future.

Chief obstetrician-gynecologist of Armenian Ministry of Health Razmik Abrahamyan, in turn, noted that after determining the child’s sex, only 5% of women terminate pregnancy, a case more common during 3rd and 4th pregnancy.