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A sense of autonomy is preserved under Chinese reproductive policies.
- Source :
-
New genetics and society [New Genet Soc] 2005 Apr; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 15-29. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- China has had a one-child family policy since 1979 and a National Family Planning Law since 2002. This paper presents analysis of comments from members of the general public and experts in China on the question of reproductive autonomy. The Chinese concept of 'Yousheng' (healthy birth) is more appropriate than eugenics as an expression of Chinese social policy and public attitudes. The widespread support for healthy birth has policy implications. None of the persons interviewed said that they had ever used ultrasound to choose the gender of their child nor had an abortion for the reason of a fetus's gender. Despite the bad impression of abortion from their experience, most would abort a fetus with a genetic disease. Respondents in rural areas were less likely to use prenatal care, pointing to more important social problems in reproduction in China. The impressions given from the survey stands in contrast to the implications of the majority of Western papers on the Chinese situation, and indicate that people are generally satisfied with the ethical balance towards the societal needs over individual autonomy, but they still have a sense of reproductive autonomy. There needs to be further study into these issues with larger surveys and interview studies.
- Subjects :
- Abortion, Induced statistics & numerical data
Bioethics
China
Data Collection
Disabled Persons
Ethicists psychology
Eugenics
Female
Genetic Counseling
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Health Personnel psychology
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Jurisprudence
Legislation as Topic
Male
Paternalism
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care statistics & numerical data
Prenatal Diagnosis
Reproduction
Rural Population
Sex Ratio
Social Change
Social Responsibility
Attitude
Family Planning Policy
Personal Autonomy
Population Control
Public Opinion
Reproductive Behavior
Social Values
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1463-6778
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- New genetics and society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16552915
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/14636770500037636