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China – Maternity and Giving Birth

In China, most births take place in hospitals, with home births being relatively uncommon. The Chinese government has implemented various policies to promote hospital births, including subsidies for rural families and penalties for those who give birth outside of hospitals.

Pregnant women in China have access to a range of prenatal care services, including regular check-ups with an obstetrician or midwife, ultrasounds to monitor the health of the mother and fetus, and access to educational resources and support groups. However, the quality of care can vary widely depending on the region and the hospital.

Registering a Birth in China

If you give birth in China, you will need to register the birth with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Obtain a birth certificate from the hospital where the birth took place. This certificate should include information about the baby’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names and identities of the parents.

  2. Go to the local PSB office and fill out the birth registration form. You will need to provide identification documents for both parents and the baby’s birth certificate.

  3. The PSB will issue a household registration booklet (hukou) for the baby. This document is important for accessing social services, such as education and healthcare.

  4. Pay the registration fee. The fee varies depending on the region and the type of registration.

Attitudes and Legislation Surrounding Abortion in China

Abortion is legal in China and is widely available in hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The Chinese government has implemented various family planning policies over the years, including the famous “One-Child Policy” which was abolished in 2015. Currently, couples are allowed to have up to two children.

However, the government still exercises a degree of control over reproductive rights in China. For example, women who are not married or who have more than the allowed number of children may face fines or other penalties if they become pregnant. Additionally, there have been reports of forced abortions and sterilizations in some regions of China, particularly in the past.

The attitudes towards abortion in China are complex and can vary depending on factors such as age, education, and region. While some people view abortion as a necessary form of family planning, others may view it as morally wrong or even illegal. Overall, however, abortion is generally accepted and widely available in China.


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Giving birth in China is most commonly done in hospitals, with a range of prenatal care services available to pregnant women. Registering a birth in China involves obtaining a birth certificate and filling out a registration form at the local Public Security Bureau. Abortion is legal and widely available in China, although the government does exercise a degree of control over reproductive rights. The attitudes towards abortion in China are complex and can vary depending on factors such as age, education, and region.