China implemented its one child policy in 1979 to reduce rapid population growth. The policy used penalties to discourage families from having more than one child. It advocated for delayed marriage, childbearing, and fewer healthier babies. Exceptions were made for ethnic minorities and couples where both parents were only children. Benefits were given to families with one child like preferential education, healthcare, housing and wages. However, the policy also led to issues like sex-selective abortion, forced abortions and sterilizations, and a skewed gender ratio. While it helped control population and boost women's careers and education, it has faced criticism from rural communities and may be relaxed in the future.

1. CHINA’S ONE CHILD POLICY An introduction to the implementation of China’s one child policy