Eggvolution: No time for sexism in aging society

By Wendy Min Source:Global Times Published: 2019/12/30 20:58:26

A baby is given birth. Photo: IC

Almost 15 percent of people in China are single. This number is set to rise. More divorce, more DINKS (dual income, no kids) and singles, fewer babies, rising costs and stress and a lack of open policies will not help solve the already low fertility rate in the country. We are almost in 2020 yet people's private parts, personal decisions and reproductive rights are still under debate.

The latest case of a single woman suing a hospital and voicing her objections over rulings which ban singles like herself from getting their eggs frozen reflects inequality between men and women and questions what a family really is. This is not a case targeting those who are single, who cannot start a family on their own let alone have more than one child. Married women also find it tough if they want their eggs frozen. They need to prove that they are married and that they have a fertility problem.

If we are to look into females and eggs then single men and their sperms must be discussed as well. It really is not fair that single men in China could save and freeze their sperm without much questioning. If this is seen as quite normal, then why can't single women spend their own time, money and eggs to gain an extra fertility option? Also, singles are humans too and females also have a say in reproduction and what family they envision to have.

Family is no longer male dominated comprising a father and mother. Homosexuals, singles and those wanting to be a parent and having the capacity to raise a child can also form a family. If my gay single friend can become a father after seeking relevant procedures in the US, so should any Chinese single woman who wishes to do so in China. Marital status and sexual orientation are not determinants of whether someone is eligible to have a child or how good a parent they will be.

Singles who wish to have and raise a child help to contribute to the already declining fertility rate in China. This is not the quick solution of course to an aging China and regulation needs to be in place to properly support those who really want to be parents. As more women gain greater economic freedom, their right to motherhood and having their eggs frozen should not be taken away. China definitely has the technological means for reproduction so making this available at home for the growing 200 million singles - especially working female professionals - is needed. 

Some will say that egg-freezing is too expensive and doesn't work, but that is up to individual opinion. A proper framework is needed to help fertility levels in China, which is providing proper alternatives and means for not only single females but all members of society who wish to have children and be parents to find ways to realize their goals. Currently, having two children is only allowed for married couples - this should be allowed for all.

Sure with demand for sperms, eggs, surrogates and donors comes supply and those looking to earn quick and big money. Even in countries with surrogate systems, there are cases of black market activities and illegal practices. The risk is there. However, that is where regulation comes in to not abolish one option completely but to allow proper screening and support for those wishing to be a surrogate and donor and those wanting to be a parent.

I'd be surprised if in March 2020, a law is passed allowing single females to freeze their eggs. Women have always been at a disadvantage when it comes to reproduction. They sacrifice more in raising families and spend more than fathers when it comes to child-rearing. With often an invisible father in the picture, you might as well give single ladies the green light. For those wanting to be part of the professional world and not give up on parenthood, their personal lives should be respected and treated fairly regardless of their gender. Freedom of birth needs to be given to women; sex education must be proper so both men and women know about the not so joyous side of being a parent. The country needs to properly boost population through adequate means and providing alternatives.

I think I've vented long enough about what it means to be single, the notion of family and giving fertility back to the people. I sincerely hope that policies can catch up with reality and be fair. There is no room for sexism and it needs to learn to evolve as well. It must not undermine all the current changes and efforts in boosting population for a nation that is aging. 

The author is a freelance writer. She was born in China, raised in Australia, educated in China, Australia and France. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

Posted in: VIEWPOINT

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