When I think of China, I think of a massive population and booming technological economy; women’s rights is not a topic that comes to mind. However, the One Child Act in China has led to government-enforced violence against women. I was shocked when I became aware that a government in modern society such as China’s successfully utilizes violence against women to implement its policies.
After initially learning about the women’s rights abuses in China, I did some research and found some extremely disturbing articles. Pregnancies that are deemed illegal by the One Child Act lead to forced sterilization and abortions. In a recent case, specifically on March 19th, a mother of two died due to forced sterilization. A doctor had advised against the procedure, yet Family Planning Officers forcibly sterilized her anyway. To cover up the scandal, the Officers offered monetary compensation to the family. While it would seem as though such incidents are not common, the Chinese Communist Party has admitted to 196 million sterilizations under the One Child Act. This number repulses me.
I find it terrifying that a government would take such actions against its own people. In my eyes, government plays the role of protector of its people. I am ashamed that I live in a world where a government enforces violence against its own women. I believe that the U.N. needs to take a stronger stand against China’s policies, and that America needs to support this stand if any change is going to occur. Economical ramifications could be one method of motivating the Chinese government to enforce its One Child Act in a less violent manner. I also believe that awareness needs to be raised in regard to this issue. China is very adept at keeping its actions hidden; yet its violence against women needs to be recognized by the world. Hopefully, as society continues to advance China will change its ways and utilize less violent policies.
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