Upgrade reproductive health services to better protect women
Peng, P.
China Population Today 15(3): 7
1998
PMID: 12293915 Document Number: 532950
This article excerpts a speech by the State Family Planning Commissioner of China, among New York-based population-based nongovernmental organizations. Minister Peng Peiyun pointed out the successes of the family planning (FP) program in reducing the rate of natural increase from 2.6% to 1% during 1970-97. Lifetime fertility declined from 6 to 2 children. However, the annual net population increase amounts to 13 million. China's population size is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2010, and zero population growth by 2050. FP must be a long term effort. FP should protect the rights and interests of women and enable women to have access to quality health services. FP aims to improve women's livelihood and social status. Margaret Sanger, in New York City during the early part of the century, helped women achieve similar improvements in their social and economic development as China tried to do in the 1950s. It is encouraging to view women's active participation in all aspects of social life at different periods historically and in different countries. Regardless how much progress is achieved, there are still deficiencies in some regions in China, in quality of services and reproductive health services. Some providers lack professional training. Some remote regions lack services. Son preference encourages higher fertility. Since the 1994 ICPD, China has become aware of the need to shift focus. China should update grassroots service facilities and upgrade services. China identifies model programs that provide quality FP services. China is still a long way from its goals and will need assistance.