Gender Check on Fetuses Banned

Its increasing demographic gender imbalance has prompted China to prohibit gender checks on fetuses for non-medical purposes and gender-discriminating terminations.

According to a ruling by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, Ministry of Health, and State Food and Drug Administration, no agent or individual can examine the gender of a fetus without the approval of the health or family planning administrations. Whether or not a gender check is of medical relevance is to be decided by an expert panel of at least three. Should a termination be necessary, a report must be made by the surgical unit concerned.