Social stigma around single motherhood in China shows signs of fading as low birth rates continue

In the past, children born out of wedlock were often denied access to public benefits unless their mothers paid hefty fines. But over the past few years, the penalties have been dropped in some regions like Sichuan, Guangdong and Shaanxi read more Single motherhood in China is slowly gaining more acceptance as the countries administrative units quietly ease barriers faced by children born outside of marriage (and their mothers). While official messaging from Beijing, including from President Xi Jinping, continues to promote traditional family values, some provincial and local authorities have started to lift restrictions that have long disadvantaged unwed…