Tighter rules aim to close gender gap
Print Edition
AUTHORITIES in central China’s Henan Province will enhance a ban on ultrasound services to determine the sex of unborn babies as they vow to fight an expanding gender gap.
With a population of more than 106 million, Henan is one of the most populous province in the country. Last year, it reported 116.5 boys born for every 100 girls, down from a ratio of 118:100 in 2012, according to figures from the sixth national census.
A “normal” ratio is defined as anywhere between 103 and 107 to 100.
In an effort to close the gap, the provincial government pledged to lower the ratio to 113.4:100 by the end of next year, in line with a target set by the central government.
The gender imbalance began to appear in the late 1980s when ultrasound technologies used for sex-selection became widely available in China. As a result, couples often chose to abort female fetuses, opting for boys to carry forward the family bloodline.
Although sex-selection for non-medical purposes has been banned in Henan since 2006, the sex ratio has not been strongly affected. Stricter policies will be implemented, the provincial government said.
Couples who want to have a second child will have to sign a contract with their family planning department to guarantee they will not abort their fetus, while stricter conditions will be set for abortions and the purchase of ultrasound machines will be put under government supervision.
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