Population policy perspectives in Communist China.

Material relating to population figures and policies in China are difficult to get due to the lack of sophisticated data-gathering systems and personnel and the frequent absence of published findings. It is estimated that Chinas population is more than 850 million today that her crude birthrate is around 20/1000 and her crude death rate a civilized 15/1000. Public health has increased immensely with a sixfold increase in doctors and paramedical personnel in the past 25 years. Most epidemic and contagious diseases have been brought under control or nearly eradicated. The vacillation of Chinas official population policy is attributed primarily to the conflict between the traditional Chinese desire for a large population and the economic need for small families. Since 1972 a vigorous birth control campaign has been in effect. Contraceptives are available at hospitals and clinics throughout China; late marriages have become a reality. Nevertheless Chinas population is a major problem to herself and the world.