The Documentary Podcast
The Fifth Floor: China's empty maternity wards
Jan 11, 2025
Eunice Yang, a BBC Chinese journalist, discusses the alarming closure of over 400 maternity wards in China while revealing the underlying issues of declining birth rates influenced by historical policies. Yuna Ku shares insights into South Korea's underground tattoo industry and the unique challenges faced by female tattoo artists amidst legal hurdles. Jelilat Olawale celebrates Ghana's kente fabric gaining UNESCO status, emphasizing its cultural significance and need for preservation. Together, they explore profound societal shifts impacting women across Asia and Africa.
25:02
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Quick takeaways
- China's economic challenges are significantly influencing young couples' decisions to have children, leading to declining birth rates.
- The closure of maternity wards across China reflects a drastic shift in healthcare needs due to reduced demand for childbirth services.
Deep dives
The Decline of Birth Rates in China
China is experiencing a significant decline in birth rates, which has led to the closure of numerous maternity wards throughout the country. Following the abolishment of the one-child policy in 2015, many anticipated a surge in births, peaking at over 20 million newborns in 2017. However, the numbers have dramatically decreased, with only 10 million babies born in 2021 and a further decline to 9 million in 2023. A major contributing factor to this decline is the challenging economic environment, where rising job insecurity and financial strain prevent young couples from considering having children.
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