China Amends Marriage Leave Policy To Boost Birth Rate: What About Single Parents?

Pregnancy is a conflicted term. It is a feeling, a right and a choice. However, in our society, it is just seen as a necessity for married couples. But is it right to assume that only married couples can embrace parenthood?

In China, the government has changed the marriage leave policies for working people. Earlier, people used to get three days of paid marriage leaves. But now, as per the new change, the marriage leave policy has been increased to 30 days.

This move is aimed at encouraging couples to embrace parenthood and increasing the population of the country by boosting the birth rate.

While it can be argued whether the country really needs a raise in population because China is already one of the most populated countries in the world. But, let us keep that aside as the government’s decision as per the requirements of the country. However, what needs to be argued is the implication of the policy. Doesn’t the policy of increasing marriage leaves to boost the birth rate assume that pregnancy happens only after marriage?

How many times have you heard governments encouraging single parenthood? How many times have you seen society accepting unmarried parents? There are rarely any policies that support the parenthood of single parents or unmarried couples. It is assumed that if a couple is pregnant, they must get married. Or if a woman is pregnant while being single, her child is illegitimate. Even single fathers are not pardoned.

Legitimate parenthood is something that happens within marriage and is related by blood. Single parenting and adoption are never seen as legitimate. And this is the reason why the population of the country is increasing along with the impoverishment of abandoned kids.

China Extends Marriage Leave To 30 Days: What About Single Parents?

In China, there are over 19 million single mothers, including widows and divorcees. It is not right to ignore such a huge population only because of social stigma. It is not right to provide them with no benefits just because they don’t suit our norms.

In India too, the stigma is prevalent. Society doesn’t accept people who are unmarried parents. In India, eight per cent of all family units are single parents. And this could be the probable reason why the rate of abandoned children is also on the rise in most countries.

Why should society shame or ignore single parents? Why must it assume that pregnancy is valid only after marriage? That only married couples need the benefits covered under marriage or paternity leave? Why can’t society normalise the leaves for both married and unmarried couples?

Moreover, apart from single parenting, it is also necessary to look at the consent of couples. China’s policy assumes that couples would like to conceive kids within 30 days of marriage. In our society, as soon as a couple is married, they are pressured to embrace parenthood. Things like family planning, financial stability or protection are not given any thought. Even if the woman has some complications in pregnancy, she is forced to give it a try.

If you really want to boost the birth rate, first ask for the consent of the people if they are really willing to conceive a child. Don’t assume that couples would be ready for a child immediately after marriage. Marriage is not a licence for early pregnancy. Pregnancy is suitable only when there is the right physical, mental and financial state of the couple. Moreover, let us not assume that birth rate increase is legitimate only when married couples produce kids. Be it married or not, every child contributes to the birth rate and is legitimate.

In conclusion, I would just like to add one point. Is it really necessary to boost the birthrate of the world when the population is rocketing and affecting the sustainability of the environment?

Views expressed are the author's own.

Suggested Reading: Why Childcare Leave For Single Male Parents Is A Milestone Move