The Reproductive Politics of China

Reproductive politics, or rather, who has the power over matters of pregnancy and it’s consequences.

In thus, in the twentieth and twenty-first century, it was clear to the citizens of China, that the People’s Republic of China held the power. It is quick to see under the lead of Mao Ze Dong and Deng Xiao Ping, the effects and implications that arose from the introduction of the universal“One-Child Policy” and the universal “Two-Child Policy”

"Late, Long, Few"

Mao Ze Dong (1893-1976)

Mao Ze Dong (1893-1976), the leader of the Chinese Communist Party and the chairman of the People's Republic of China: The man that once served as not only the backbone to the reformation of China, but as a model of ideals and policies, of which has left an eternal inscription upon the nation. He who once said ‘there could never be too many Chinese, as human resources would be China’s greatest defence’ is also the one behind the policy of ‘late, long, few:’ The result of a population increase of 540 million in 1950 to 800 million in 1970. Effectively placed in the mid 70’s, the policy looked for later child bearing, longer spacing between children, and fewer children: Thus, bringing down the average number of children born to each woman from 5.93 in 1970 to 2.66 in 1979. But this was still too high.  

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Deng Xiao Ping (1904-1997)

"The One-Child Policy"

Alas arises Deng Xiao Ping (1904-1997), the secretary-general of the Chinese Communist Party, the one who stood alongside Mao Ze Dong, and the one who looked to propel China out of decades of economic mismanagement. In thus, in 1979, population containment was deemed a necessity to the economic reforms of China and the one-child policy was introduced. However, although China was able to successfully increase their per capita GDP through the strict reinforcement of the policy, this sudden change does not come without it’s implications.

Implications

Forced Contraception, Abortion, or Sterilization

As the one-child policy came into action, the universal access to contraception and abortion was introduced to rural and urban alike. Dependent on this, the total percent of married women using contraception rose to near 87 percent, with the reliance on long-term contraception, such as intrauterine devices and sterilization, accounting for more than 90% of these methods . However, although long-term methods kept abortion rates low, with ’25% of women having at least one abortion, in comparison to the 45% in the United States,’it is not without debate. Many women who had no knowledge of contraception, were forced upon these methods in fear of cultural backlash and heavy government fines, with the insertion of intrauterine devices often performed without consent in rural China. Even more so, there were several accounts of forced abortions and sterilization ordered by local officials.

Unapproved Pregnancies

With the reform touching upon the shoulders of all the citizens of China, it is not without families who do not wish to adhere to the one-child policy. As a result, these families faced the fate of not only fines, accounting to 10 - 20% of the family’s annual income, but the removal of free obstetric care services that were offered to those that acted within the guidelines. With not only the burden of financial penalties weighing upon them, families often faced social pressures against having an unapproved birth, which would prove to exceed the community’s yearly birth quota. Even more harrowing, women who are desperate to escape the downfall, face the dangers of maternal or neonatal mortality from childbirth without trained personnel.

Selective Abortion, Female Infanticide, and an Increased Sex Ratio

Although sex determination in China is illegal, the lack of effective enforcement has led to the rise of a sex ratio of 121 males to 100 females in 2005, with ratios as high as 140 in rural regions. It is predicted, that by the year 2020, there will be an excess of 30 million males, ones that will face the potential struggles and mental health consequences of being unmarried; higher levels of depression and aggression and social instability. However, the lack of effective enforcement is not the only culprit. With the pressures of sociocultural norms and expectations, males are often preferred over females for financial security, self-sustenance, a continuation of the family name, and a higher status. As a result, it was not uncommon for selective abortion of female fetuses, female infanticide, and abandonment of female children to occur.

'4:2:1' An Aging Population

Lastly, China faces the concerns of an aging population, with the percentage of population above the age of 65 rising from 8% to a predicted 18% by 2025.This comes in hand, with not only the lack of pension coverage for the elderly, but the Concucian culture and duty of caring for your elders. Thus, the ratio of 4:2:1 has been named to account for the burden that an only child faces when responsible for their two parents and four grandparents.

"The Two-Child Policy"

In face of all the rising implications, the "two-child policy" was formally introduced in October 15, allowing couples to have two children starting on January 1, 2016.

Potential Effects

Fertility

In light of the new policy, there comes a hope for an increase in fertility to outset the concerns of an increased sex ratio, an increase in the proportion of the elderly, and the unstable economic development.

Population Size, Workforce, and Economic Development

Under the one-child policy, the population is predicted to peak at 1.40 billion in 2023 and then rapidly decline: However, under the universal two-child policy, population is predicted to peak around 1.45 billion in 2029 and then gradually decline. This said, under a one-child policy, China would face the continuous problems of “aging, pension fund deficiencies and labour shortages”. But with the implication of the new two-child policy and the increase in population, it can be predicted that upon 2030, there will be a substantially larger workforce: This, all in hopes strengthening the economy and increasing the GDP of China.

Summary

In thus, with the reformation of China and the hopes of socioeconomic change, the implementation of the “One Child Policy” and the “Two Child policy was introduced.  However, as decades to come have shown, citizens were forced to face the harrowing reality of; forced contraception, abortion, and sterilization,  financial and social pressures of unapproved pregnancies, female infanticide and selective abortion, an increase in sex ratio, and the burden of an aging population. As a result, reproductive politics arise again, leaving an everlasting imprint on the not only the past, but the present and future of the People's Republic of China.