[Guangdong calls for stronger birth control effort].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Demography
• Sociology

Background:

• Guangzhou Municipality has consistently missed its population control targets for four consecutive years.
• The region experienced the highest natural population growth rate among 10 major cities in 1979.
• A significant increase in births and marriages in suburban areas during the first half of the year exacerbates population control challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement comprehensive planned parenthood policies and measures in Guangzhou's rural areas.
• To ensure the natural population growth rate remains below the target of 10.5/1000 for the current year.
• To address the issue of unplanned pregnancies and promote permanent contraception.

Main Methods:

• Concentrated implementation of planned parenthood policies in the second half of the year.
• Mobilization of leaders, cadres, and technical forces for propaganda and ideological work.
• Emphasis on remedial measures for unplanned pregnancies and increasing the rate of permanent contraception.

Main Results:

• A notable rise in unplanned rural pregnancies, affecting approximately 15,000 individuals.
• Increased marriage rates (39% higher) in the first half of the year, indicating future birth increases.
• A shortfall in meeting provincial population control targets, with 1700 more births than the previous year in suburban counties.

Conclusions:

• Urgent and focused intervention is required to meet Guangzhou's population control objectives.
• Reinforcement of the 'one-child policy' and strict control over second births are critical.
• Sustained efforts in public awareness, ideological work, and access to contraception are necessary for long-term success.