One-child policy

The one-child policy was a population control program of the People's Republic of China that, from around 1980, limited most urban couples to one child. It was introduced under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, whose government feared that rapid population growth would hinder economic development. Exceptions existed for ethnic minorities, many rural families whose first child was a girl, and others; violations were penalized with fines and, in some cases, forced abortions and sterilizations, which attracted international criticism. The policy contributed to an aging population, a shortage of young workers and an imbalance between boys and girls at birth, reflecting a traditional preference for sons. Chinese authorities relaxed it to allow two children per couple in 2016 and three in 2021, as the birth rate continued to fall.

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