Fewer than 10 babies born in 38% of cities, counties in Korea last year

More than 1 in 3 cities and counties in Korea saw fewer than 10 childbirths last year, statistics showed Sunday, highlighting deepening regional disparities in births. The rate is mainly driven by a smaller number of births than before amid population decline, along with the fact that some regions, especially in rural areas, do not have obstetric facilities at all, forcing expectant mothers to give birth in neighboring regions. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the country saw 237,484 births in small to large hospitals and midwifery centers last year. Out of 251 cities, counties and districts, 97 — or 38.6 percent — recorded fewer than 10 births. These so-called "childbirth deserts" span both sparsely populated counties and some small cities. They included Gwacheon, Dongducheon, Uiwang, Anseong and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province. There are also Taebaek in Gangwon Province; Gyerong in South Chungcheong Province; Gimje in North Jeolla Province; Naju in South Jeolla Province; and Mungyeong and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province. The ratio of such regions wWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times