Chandigarh, January 6, 2026 – After 19 years of marriage and ten daughters, a Haryana couple welcomed a son at a hospital this week, highlighting both concerns about maternal health in high-risk pregnancies and the persistent cultural preference for male children in parts of the state.

The 37-year-old mother, married to 38-year-old labourer Sanjay Kumar, was admitted to Ojas Hospital and Maternity Home in Uchana town, Jind district, on January 3. She delivered the baby safely on January 4 and returned home the next day to her village in adjoining Fatehabad district, according to Dr Narveer Sheoran, who oversaw the delivery. Dr Sheoran added that three units of blood were required during the delivery due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, but ultimately both mother and child were healthy. Dr Sheoran’s wife, Dr Santosh, a gynaecologist, also ensured a safe delivery.

A long-awaited son

Sanjay Kumar told PTI that both he and some of his elder daughters had hoped for a brother. “We were keen that there should be a son, and some of my elder daughters also wished to have a brother,” he said. “It is my eleventh child now. I have 10 daughters too.”

Despite financial constraints, Sanjay said he is committed to providing his daughters with education. “Most of my daughters go to school, and my eldest daughter is in Class 12. Within my meagre means, I am trying to give my daughters a good education… Whatever has happened was God’s will, and I am happy with it,” he added.

Addressing the social media attention on his family, and the broader questions about patriarchal mindsets that favour sons, he said, “It is not like that. I also think that girls are capable of achieving anything these days. They have proved their mettle in various fields and are making everyone proud.”

A video of Sanjay introducing his ten daughters has gone viral online, in which he fumbled briefly while naming all of them, drawing widespread attention and reactions.

High-risk pregnancy concerns

Doctors highlighted that the pregnancy and delivery were high-risk due to the mother’s age and history of multiple pregnancies. “In the end, it was a normal delivery and things were managed well,” said Dr Sheoran, noting that close monitoring and medical intervention were critical for the safe birth of the child.

Haryana’s gender imbalance

The birth also comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Haryana’s sex ratio, a persistent social concern in the state. According to official statistics, Haryana’s sex ratio improved to 923 females per 1,000 males in 2025, a 13-point rise from 2024, yet still below the national average of 1,020 females per 1,000 males. The state has historically faced criticism for skewed ratios due to cultural preferences for male children.

While the family’s story has attracted attention for the long-awaited birth of a son, it also brings into focus the medical risks associated with repeated pregnancies and the social pressures that continue to influence family planning decisions in parts of India.

Both doctors and health experts have repeatedly warned that pregnancies after multiple deliveries, particularly at an advanced maternal age, carry heightened risks, including excessive bleeding, preterm delivery, and complications requiring blood transfusions or surgical intervention. In this case, three units of blood were administered to manage the delivery safely.

A message from the family

Despite the risks and societal pressures, the Kumar family emphasized their commitment to education and empowerment for their daughters. Sanjay Kumar’s remarks underline a growing recognition in some households that girls can excel in various fields and contribute meaningfully to society, even as cultural preferences for sons persist.

The birth of the 11th child has sparked discussions across social media and local news about the balance between cultural norms, maternal health, and gender equality. While the family celebrates the safe delivery, public health advocates continue to highlight the need for awareness about reproductive health, safe family planning, and the importance of valuing daughters equally.

This episode serves as a reminder of both the progress and the challenges that remain in addressing son preference, maternal health risks, and gender parity in Indian society.