In the Republic of Armenia (RA), the deviation of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) began to gradually increase from the beginning of the 1990s. In 1995, 110 boys were born per 100
girls, in 1998 the figure exceeded 115, and in 2000 it reached 120 (the natural sex ratio at birth is 104-106 boys per 100 girls). Later, however, some progress was observed.
According to the data of the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, the dynamics of the sex ratio at birth during the last ten years are as follows:
- Between 2012 and 2017, the ratio decreased from 115 boys/100 girls to 110 boys/100 girls;
- From 2018 to 2020, the indicator was stable: 111 boys per 100 girls;
- In 2021 the ratio dropped to 108.8 boys per 100 girls;
- According to the results of the first semester of 2022, 111 boys were born for every 100 girls, but the picture will be complete after summarizing the annual data.
To prevent gender-biased sex selection (GBSS), the National Action Plan (NAP) on GBSS prevention is implemented in Armenia since 2020. Nevertheless, regional and local
authorities are not sufficiently involved in the implementation of actions, and to localize the NAP, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms aimed to expand their involvement.
Considering the above-mentioned, as well as the results of the survey conducted in June 2022 in Armenia to assess the prevalence and causes of sex-selective abortions, this
document presents recommendations on expanding the role of regional and local authorities in the prevention of GBSS.
