Establishment of the Fertility Care Fund in Guangdong
Recently, Guangdong province initiated the Fertility Care Fund, aimed at providing support for families facing challenges related to family planning. The announcement was made during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Population Fund in Guangdong.
Addressing Family Planning Challenges
The Guangdong Provincial Family Planning Association has launched this fund to assist those encountering difficulties in family planning, including families with health reproductive issues, only-child families, and families with daughters. Zhang Feng, the director of the Family Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues during a press conference.
Corporate Contributions to the Fund
During the establishment event, five companies generously contributed over 10 million yuan worth of funds, medical equipment, and services to the Fertility Care Fund. Ou Guangyuan, chairman of the association, highlighted the necessity of expanding the fund's support scope to target key groups effectively, thereby ensuring that more families in need can benefit from this charitable initiative.
Opposition to Surrogacy Practices
Amidst the positive developments, Zhang Feng firmly opposed the practice of surrogacy, labeling it an illegal act. Recent reports indicated that a couple in Guangzhou employed a surrogate to give birth to eight children, which raised significant legal and ethical concerns. Zhang explained that such actions violate family planning laws, necessitating the payment of social upbringing fees for exceeding the allowed number of births.
The Need for Regulation and Legislative Action
According to Zhang, it is crucial for local authorities to investigate and shut down surrogacy institutions that operate for profit. He expressed that while assisted reproductive technology can help many families, using it to exceed legal birth limits is unacceptable. He called for urgent legislative measures to regulate surrogacy practices not just in Guangdong, but on a broader scale.
Support for Challenging Family Situations
The newly established fund aims to provide assistance to couples who struggle with fertility issues, families with children who face health complications, and parents of only daughters. Zhang emphasized that the fund would play a vital role in alleviating the challenges these families encounter, especially regarding elder care and other related concerns.
Conclusion
The creation of the Fertility Care Fund signifies a significant step forward in addressing family planning challenges in Guangdong. However, it also highlights the pressing need for regulations surrounding surrogacy practices. By combining charitable efforts with strict enforcement of family planning laws, Guangdong aims to foster a supportive environment for all families.