China has long sought to control women’s bodies. Increasingly, they’re making their own choices
More women are rejecting state pressure over their reproductive choices, amid the devastating legacy of the one-child policy
TL;DR
- The Chinese state has historically controlled women's bodies, from regulating work units based on menstrual cycles to enforcing the one-child policy.
- The one-child policy (1980-2016) was enforced with extreme measures, including forced abortions and sterilizations.
- A specific period known as the 'childless 100 days' in Shen county enforced a ban on births for 100 days in 1991, leading to forced abortions and sterilizations.
- China now faces a falling birth rate, leading the government to pressure women to have more children, offering subsidies and tax breaks.
- Women are increasingly pushing back against state pressure, exercising more control over their bodies and reproductive choices.
- The legacy of the one-child policy has reshaped family expectations, leading to a reduced desire for larger families.
- High costs and competitiveness of child-rearing are major deterrents to having children in modern China.
- Studies show a significant increase in young women stating they do not want children, with financial independence being a key reason.
- The one-child policy created a sense that reproductive rights are not inalienable.