Family planning education and health care delivery in the People's Republic of China: implications for educational alternatives.

Abstract

The Chinese have utilized both alternative and formal educational st ructures over the years to introduce and transmit family planning messag es, but their efforts had limited success until coupled with the significant structural reform in the health care network which occurred in 1965. It is suggested, based in part on interviews and data collected by the author during a 6-week trip to China in 1971, that use of contraceptives is now widespread and birthrates are declining due, in large measure, to the above mentioned reforms. The most important aspects of the reforms were their rural thrust, the decentralization of health services, and local control and participation of those involved, with the last contributing to the breaking of traditional barriers to innovation and attitudes of suspicion in rural areas where most previous programs had failed. The notions of self-reliance, political activism, and the meaningful involvement of women and women's organizations were additional positive steps. Through integration of family planning, health care delivery, and educational alternatives with existing social change efforts underway in the agricultural industry and in social relations, the Chinese maintain they are now approaching zero population growth. The degree to which they accomplish their goals will have profound implications for other developing nations.