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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rodney Muhumuza

The pressure to have baby boys can harm African mothers' health

Congo Dying Mothers Male Heirs - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

When Prosper Mbumba married, he expected to have only two children. But one had to be a son. Four daughters later, he and his wife were still trying.

Mbumba was eager to produce a male heir according to the customary demands of his Luba people in Congo.

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