Planned Parenthood Statement in Support of Chen Guangcheng Denounces Coercive Reproductive Health Policies in China

The safe passage of Chinese human rights advocate Chen Guangcheng and his family to the United States has focused the world’s attention on the scourge of coercive reproductive policies.  We commend Mr. Chen’s bravery in exposing human rights injustices even in the face of threats to his personal safety.  Reproductive self-determination — free from coercion — is essential to strong and healthy families and, more broadly, our global society.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) opposes coercive and inhumane reproductive policies and practices, including China’s one-child policy and the illegal practices of forced abortion and coerced birth control reported in some localities.  We believe in reproductive self-determination and we advocate for public policies that guarantee these rights and ensure access to safe and legal services.

Domestically and with our partners internationally, PPFA works to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services in settings which protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual.

The continued oppression of Chinese families through coercive reproductive policies must end.  PPFA will continue to vigorously advance our mission of expanding reproductive health care as a basic human right worldwide by collaborating with other organizations, advocating for funding and regulatory policies, and amplifying a human rights perspective.