Forced abortion of Feng Jianmei

Forced abortion of Feng Jianmei

The forced abortion of Feng Jianmei occurred in June 2012 in Zhenping County, Shaanxi Province, China. Feng Jianmei, a 22-year-old woman, was subjected to a forced abortion by local government officials when she was seven months pregnant. This incident drew widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally, highlighting the controversial nature of China's one-child policy and the enforcement methods used by local authorities.

Background

The one-child policy was a population control measure implemented by the People's Republic of China in 1979 to limit most Chinese families to one child. The policy was introduced to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems in China. However, it led to numerous human rights abuses, including forced abortions and sterilizations.

Incident

Feng Jianmei and her husband, Deng Jiyuan, were unable to pay the 40,000 yuan fine imposed for violating the one-child policy. As a result, local officials in Zhenping County forced Feng to undergo an abortion at seven months of pregnancy. The officials reportedly abducted Feng from her home and took her to a hospital where the procedure was carried out.

Public Reaction

The forced abortion of Feng Jianmei sparked outrage across China and the world. Graphic images of Feng lying next to her aborted fetus were circulated online, leading to widespread condemnation of the local authorities' actions. The incident brought significant attention to the human rights abuses associated with the enforcement of the one-child policy.

Government Response

In response to the public outcry, the Chinese government launched an investigation into the incident. Several local officials were suspended or dismissed from their positions. The government also issued an apology to Feng Jianmei and her family. Despite these actions, the incident continued to fuel debates about the ethical implications of the one-child policy and its enforcement.

Aftermath

The forced abortion of Feng Jianmei had a lasting impact on Chinese society and policy. It contributed to the growing criticism of the one-child policy, which was eventually phased out in 2015 and replaced with a two-child policy. The incident remains a significant example of the human rights issues associated with population control measures in China.

See Also

• One-child policy
• Human rights in China
• Population control
• Two-child policy