The Politics of the Revival of Infant Abandonment in China, with Special Reference to Hunan

Abstract

It is argued that abandonment of infant girls is severe in some regions and that abandonment results in death and the problem of girls. It is estimated that over 1 million girls are missing each year. There are many difficulties in accurately assessing the extent of abandonment. This article examines the problem of abandonment in Hunan province. Statistical data is supplemented by other documentary evidence. Abandonment of infant girls was widespread in Hunan and other parts of China prior to 1949. Orphanages were available from the late 17th century through the late 1930s. Historians reported that abandonment and infanticide declined significantly in Hunan from the 1950s through the early 1970s. The problem reappeared during the late 1970s after restrictive birth planning was introduced. Abandonment increased considerably by the late 1980s. During 1986-90 over 16000 children were brought to Hunan civil affairs departments as abandoned children. 92% were girls and many were only days old. 25% of the abandoned children were handicapped. Increased abandonment during 1986-90 followed a similar pattern in Hebei province. Hunans Civil Affairs Bureau (HCAB) reported a link between abandonment and birth planning campaigns. Abandonment is attributed by the state to feudal attitudes of peasants and not to central policy or son preference. The author asserts that the problem is related to layers of religious cultural and sometimes political factors supporting son preference and social security needs. The HCAB report partially disclosed how those in power directly and indirectly contributed to abandonment. The state civil affairs departments run the government welfare centers for foundlings which are poorly run and underfunded and face difficulties in obtaining official residential registration for orphans. Obstacles to adoption are identified. Womens rights activists face multi-layered political obstacles to the treatment prosecution and prevention of abandonment. Public attention to the problem of orphans and disabled institutionalized children has increased since 1993. It is suggested that better care of orphans is a positive effective way of responding to abandonment.