Sterilization, oral contraception, and population control in China

Abstract

In the spring of 1962, China resumed public discussions in favour of late marriage. Events since then have made it clear that this constituted a prologue to a new phase of fertility control activities. Sterilization is being encouraged along with most other contraceptive techniques and methods, with the notable exception of oral contraception. This paper examines both sterilization and oral contraception in relation to population control in China.

One principal concern is the volume of sterilization needed to reduce fertility to desired levels, not the factors affecting male or female acceptance of it as a method of fertility control. Estimates are made on the basis of the Japanese experience. An intensive review of available Chinese publications also disclosed that oral contraception received attention in 1956 and 1957 through publication and popularization of oral contraceptive recipes of presumed value consisting of ingredients of plant, animal, and mineral origin. This is believed to have resulted from the attempts to change a nation and to cherish her heritage simultaneously. The influence of Traditional Medicine and its personnel therefore must be reckoned with in China to-day. Yet, ways must be found to make possible the introduction of oral contraceptives of proved value. The earlier interest in oral contraceptives of presumed value has important policy implications for population control.

A version of this paper was read at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America, June 1964. Data for this paper were gathered principally in Hong Kong in 1961–62 when the author was supported by a grant from the Joint Committee on Contemporary China of the Social Science Research Council and the American Council of Learned Societies. Appreciation is expressed to the Committee for its renewal of support in 1963–64, and to the Research Committee of the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, for additional financial assistance. Dr. Christopher Tietze kindly read the original manuscript and made helpful comments.

A version of this paper was read at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America, June 1964. Data for this paper were gathered principally in Hong Kong in 1961–62 when the author was supported by a grant from the Joint Committee on Contemporary China of the Social Science Research Council and the American Council of Learned Societies. Appreciation is expressed to the Committee for its renewal of support in 1963–64, and to the Research Committee of the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, for additional financial assistance. Dr. Christopher Tietze kindly read the original manuscript and made helpful comments.

Notes

A version of this paper was read at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America, June 1964. Data for this paper were gathered principally in Hong Kong in 1961–62 when the author was supported by a grant from the Joint Committee on Contemporary China of the Social Science Research Council and the American Council of Learned Societies. Appreciation is expressed to the Committee for its renewal of support in 1963–64, and to the Research Committee of the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, for additional financial assistance. Dr. Christopher Tietze kindly read the original manuscript and made helpful comments.