336 million abortions in China since 1971

25 March, 2013 - There have been over 336 million abortions in China since the since 1971, according to data released by the Chinese Health Department. The number of abortions has remained steady, according to the department, and over 7 million women per year still seek abortions. In 1971 the Chinese government adopted a policy of limiting population growth and in 1979 the one child policy was brought in. The number of abortions that have subsequently taken place are equivalent to more than one-fourth of the current population. Many demographers have been warning the Chinese government that the population is ageing, but the Communist party remains adamant. The deputy head of the government's family planning unit, Yang Yuxue, recently responded to criticism: "The idea of easing the ageing problem by increasing the fertility rate is like drinking poison to quench thirst," he said. The government also reported performing 196 million sterilisations, and inserting 403 million intrauterine device (IUD). The latter would be a normal birth control procedure in the West, but one that local officials often force on women in China. Many Westerners still support the one-child policy, at least as a regrettable necessity. But some Chinese demographers are scathing in their criticism. (Source: CCBI)