China Plans to Curb Abortions. NewsWire

NewsWire: 10/15/21

• China plans to reduce the number of abortions performed in the country. For years, abortions were strongly encouraged—and sometimes even compelled—by the government in order to enforce its one child policy. (The Washington Post)
• NH: The State Council has just announced plans to decrease the number of “non-medical” abortions in China. It's unknown how the government will accomplish this goal. But it's clear the CCP is troubled by the recent resurgence in abortions. As of the last official count, 9.7M abortions are carried out annually in China. 
• This change of heart clearly reflects the party's new determination to do everything it can to fend off population decline. (See “China Drafts New Baby Boost Policies” and “China's Population: A Mystery Wrapped in a Riddle: Part 2.”) Earlier this summer, the CCP announced that families will be allowed to have three children. About the same time, the government outlined plans to help offset the financial burdens of parenthood.
• Next up: Trying to reduce abortions. For decades, the government has encouraged abortions and (if necessary) compelled them for some women found in violation of the one-child policy. Claiming that draconian measures were needed for the good of the country, the party discouraged having children and expressed indifference to marriage. But now the CCP is changing course on all fronts. In keeping with Xi’s newfound support for the teachings of Confucius, the CCP is encouraging women to get married and to do traditional family things like having kids. Any kids. More kids--please!
• Bottom line: This new party platform is going to be in place for a long while. Expect China to continue doubling down on pronatal fertility policies and a neo-traditionalist values agenda.