Ruinous one-child policy is a violation of human rights
Nearly 30 years ago the Chinese government attempted to conquer the massive demographic problem left over by Chairman Mao Zedong by restricting the number of children to one per couple [with a few exceptions].
The country's leaders have been happy to stick with this policy, but changes must come soon if China is to avert the negative consequences of the one-child policy. This policy has been condemned as a violation of human rights, particularly the health, sexual and reproductive rights of women and female children. While Beijing insists that violating these rights is the necessary price to pay for national survival and economic development, the future of the country is also at stake.
First, a rapid reduction of the fertility rate under the one-child policy, combined with a cultural preference for sons and accessibility to selective abortions, has affected the ratio of women to men. Forecasts suggest that the shortage of women in rural China means that, every year, about 1 million men will be unable to marry and have a family. These men could suffer mental health problems. This has also aggravated the problems of bride-selling and trafficking of women.
Second, the drastic drop in the birth rate, combined with better life expectancy, has led to an increasing proportion of elderly people. In 1982, the percentage of the population over the age of 65 was only 5 per cent. By 2050 the over-60s will account for a quarter of the population. As economic growth tends to slow down as a population ages, it is difficult for a developing nation like China to get rich after its population has already grown old.
The one-child policy has ensured a slowing of population growth, but this has come at an enormous social cost. Favourable conditions are now in place for a 'safe' withdrawal of the policy - lower fertility rate, a sound economic environment and growing education levels. It is now the right time for Beijing to have a comprehensive review of its population policy.
Also, resources made available by the decrease of demographic pressure, should be effectively invested in areas like health care and social security.
Ho Po-ki, Sha Tin
