Amman:The Higher Population Council (HPC) announced on Wednesday that the average number of birth dates among Jordanians that hold special significance is "higher" than the daily rate for the year 2025.
According to Jordan News Agency, data from the Civil Status and Passports Department (CSPD) indicates a trend among some families to plan the timing of births to coincide with dates that hold personal significance for them. This trend has led to an increase in the average number of births on certain dates.
The council identified six "special" dates, which include May 5, May 15, May 25, the parents' wedding anniversary, and the birthdays of either parent. Based on CSPD data, the Kingdom witnessed 170,780 births last year, with 19,203 births to non-Jordanian parents. Specifically focusing on the 151,577 births to Jordanian parents, the daily average is 415, while the average number of births on the identified "special" dates rises to 629 per day.
The council noted two methods through which expectant mothers might choose a birth date of special significance. One involves scheduling a cesarean section in consultation with a physician, a procedure that may expose both mother and child to long-term health risks despite lacking medical justification. The second method is receiving a medical injection to induce labor ahead of its natural time to ensure the birth occurs on the chosen date.
The council emphasized that any request to select a special birth date must undergo a medical assessment, considering factors such as the pregnancy stage, the order of the pregnancy, and the health status of both the mother and the fetus. It was also noted that medical procedures should not be performed solely for the purpose of selecting a specific notable date if it compromises health and safety.