CRI听力:China Launches Campaign against Sex Determinations and Sex-selective Abortions

The eight-month campaign, which runs from this August to next March, aims to raise awareness of gender equality, severely punish those who are involved in non-medical sex determinations and sex-selective abortions, and strengthen monitoring.

The sixth census data released earlier this year indicate that in 2010, China had 118 newborn males for every 100 newborn females. This was the first time since 2005 that China's gender ratio had declined for two consecutive years.

But Li Bin, Minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission, says China's gender ratio still stands at a relatively high level.

"The continuation of the high gender ratio will undermine the advancement of social gender equality and the development of girls. It will have a negative impact on the long-term development of the country and social stability and harmony, and harm the interests of the general public."

Data from the "CIA Fact Book" show that the current average worldwide sex ratio at birth is 107 boys to 100 girls. Non-medical sex determinations and sex-selective abortions are the main reasons for the gender imbalance in China.

The Chinese government has enacted a Population and Family Planning Law and other regulations banning non-medical sex determinations and sex-selective abortions to balance the gender ratio. The Outline for the Development of Chinese Women and Children (2011-2020) that was recently issued publicly also highlights the importance of curbing the rising gender ratio.

Li also urges local governments to make restrictions on non-medical sex determinations and sex-selective abortions their top priority.

"Institutions and individuals that are involved in non-medical sex determinations and sex-selective abortions will be harshly punished. Doctors or medical institutions that violate the ban will be stripped of licenses, downgraded, dismissed or even receive criminal sentences."

After three decades of family-planning policies, China's population is now under control. But illegal sex-selective abortions continue to thrive in many parts of the country given the Chinese preference for boys.

Li therefore says local governments should also devote themselves to changing the traditional view that men are superior to women.

For CRI, I'm Zhang Ru.