Current family planning work viewed from results of the National Fertility Sample Survey
Xiao, Z.; Chen, S.
Population Research 2(3): 19-24
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 1002-6576 PMID: 12314260 Document Number: 269465
According to data from a 1982 State Family Planning Commission fertility sample survey, the total fertility rate (TFR) of Chinese women was 5.87 in the 1950s and 5.68 in the 1960s. The fertility rate of women in this period was the highest in Chinese history. The consequences of this rapid population growth in the 1950s and 1960s will continue to affect population reproduction for a long period. The average number of young couples getting married between 1983 and 1987 will be 10 million per year, and 12 million per year between 1988 and 1992. Even if women's fertility is kept at 2 births each, the annual births will be 20 million. If family planning policies are lax or not effective, the fertility rate is likely to increase on a large scale. The TFR must drop from 2.63 in 1981 to 1.7 in 1985 and further down to 1.5 in 1990 and remain at that level at all times to achieve the control target of 1.2 billion. There is a great discrepancy in family planning work between urban and rural areas; the 1981 birth rate in urban areas was 14.5/1000, and in rural areas it was 22.43/1000. There is also a great imbalance in family planning work between the Hans and the minorities; the 1981 TFR was 2.53 among the Hans and 4.55 among the minorities. To ensure the realization of the population control target set for the end of this century, it is necessary to attain new levels and be more scientific in publicity, education, and technical measures for family planning. Considering the health of women and reliability of birth control, it is desirable for couples under age 40 who have 2 children to have ligation surgery. Survey data show that great achievements in family planning have been made in the 10 year period, but continued intensive development of family planning work is still necessary.