Two South Korean women awarded medals for birthing 13 children each amid fertility crisis

Seoul

South Korea's health and welfare ministry has awarded civilian service medals to two women for giving birth to 13 children each amid the plummeting birth rate in the country. 

Eom Gye-suk (60) was awarded the Seongnyu Medal, which is given to individuals who have contributed to the country with outstanding accomplishments in politics, economics, society, education, or academics.

“After repeating pregnancy and childbirth for over 20 years, there were some difficulties, but thanks to my children who have grown up well, I think I have more happy moments than others,” said Eom, who had five sons and eight daughters between 1986 and 2007. 

Similarly, Lee Yeong-mi (59), was awarded the Civil Merit Medal, given to individuals who contribute through accomplishments and donations, those who risk their lives to save others, and those who devote their lives to public service. Lee gave birth to her first child at 23 and the last at 44. 

During the ceremony at the Glad Hotel in Seoul last week, Lee batted for improvement in workplace culture so that the current generation could have more kids as well. 

“We desperately need a workplace culture where people can use childcare leave without worrying about what others think, and support for self-employed people who do not have childcare leave and cannot take time off from work.”

Falling birth rates

South Korea is staring at population collapse with the fertility rate declining to a historic low of 0.78 in 2022 - the lowest globally and well below the replacement rate. 

Experts in the country have estimated that at the current rate, the population of 51 million will nearly halve by the year 2100.

Watch | South Korea faced with a shrinking population

Doctors giving up paediatrics

Due to low birth rates, paediatricians are quitting their jobs in the country as well - presenting a unique challenge to the government. 

In the capital city of Seoul, the number of paediatric clinics and hospitals has fallen to just 456, down 12.5 per cent over the last five years. In the first half of 2022, the hospitals were able to secure the services of only 16.3 per cent of the paediatricians they sought, compared to 97.4 per cent in 2013.

Also read | South Korea’s birth rate falls to record low in 2023, govt data shows

The shortage of doctors for children means that parents are having to endure long waiting periods for the treatment of sick children.

(With inputs from agencies)