Following news that violations of the one-child policy by China’s wealthy elite may cause a population boom in the near future, Asia Times takes a closer look at the societal implications of the “money for baby” privilege:
The trend of rich people bypassing the one-child rule comes at a time of rising social tensions caused by the widening wealth gap between haves and have-nots. A recent online survey by the China Youth Daily newspaper found that more than 60% thought it was unfair the rich could enjoy the “money for baby” privilege.
While the rich pay money to skirt the rules, poor pregnant women in the countryside risk their lives and those of their babies by seeking back-alley deliveries to avoid the hefty fines, according to a senior health official. [Full text]
