One-child Policy Effect on the Gender Ratio in China
With more than 1.3 billion people, China is the world's most populous country. But population growth has slowed in recent years as a result of the one-child policy, in effect since 1979.
Written by Joshua Lipes, produced by Minh-Ha Le 2008-11-18
Chinese couples traditionally prefer boys who, unlike girls, can carry on the family name and will look after them in their old age. Abortions of female fetuses are believed to be widespread, especially in rural areas. The Chinese government has reported that an already largely male population will increasingly outnumber women for years to come.
