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’
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.
However, more efforts are needed. It is notable that government advertisements or promotions advocating the benefits of having a baby are scarce, if not entirely absent. We often see television advertisements or posters promoting the health benefits of quitting smoking or exercising, but are the public aware of the benefits of having a baby?
For instance, research shows that giving birth can help reduce the incidence of diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer. The authorities could consider publicising this kind of medical information when promoting fertility.
Fertility is as vital as any other major public health issue, not to mention its implications for our city’s development. Hong Kong society should undoubtedly make more of an effort to address the declining birth rate.
Alan Lim, Sha Tin
More research needed on teens with gender dysphoria
The clinical management of gender dysphoria in adolescence is largely controversial. Many adolescents with gender dysphoria would grow out of it in late adolescence. The protocol of hormone therapy and surgical treatment of these patients is based largely on limited clinical experiences and not on large scale-scientific studies. Hormone therapy is not without risk and the decision to undergo such treatment should not be taken lightly.
Effective communication between doctor, parents and patient should be advocated. Intensive counselling should be provided to the patient who may have associated mental distress and depression.
There have been court cases involving adolescents who received hormone therapy in the United States and United Kingdom. In the UK, it led to the closure of the Tavistock clinic.
Further research and longitudinal studies on the natural outcome and associated mental problems of adolescents with gender dysphoria in the local population should be done so as to understand the condition more fully. Only with a solid ground of research can we really serve the needs of transgender people.
Dr Robert Yuen, honorary consultant, Holy Spirit Seminary College Bioethics Resource Centre, and Dr Thomas Lam, associate professor, Saint Francis University
As students ‘lie flat’, education sector must introspect
It is alarming that a significant number of students are uncertain about their future and are struggling to find direction and purpose in their lives. This reflects a huge problem with our education system and society. The uncertainty young people experience can have detrimental effects on their mental well-being and long-term prospects.
As part of a holistic education system, it is essential that guidance and mentorship be provided to empower students to explore their passions and strengths. By addressing the underlying causes of young people’s dissatisfaction and offering support, we can create an environment which enables them to devise suitable aspirations and thrive.
Maggie Su, Kwai Chung