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Wednesday, 3 January 2007, 07:05 GMT

China's Henan bans abortion drugs

Newborn babies in China's Qinghai province Retailers in the Chinese province of Henan have been banned from selling abortion drugs.

The policy is part of Henan's efforts to "keep gender balance among newborns" according to the China Daily newspaper.

The one-child policy and a traditional preference for male heirs has led some women to abort baby girls.

According to the last census in 2000, 118 boys were born in Henan for every 100 girls. The global ratio is 103 to 107 boys for 100 girls.

Those who violate the new regulations will fined up to 20,000 yuan (US$2,560), the China Daily said.

China already prohibits abortions performed after a scan has determined the baby's sex, except for medical reasons.

But the government admits that, despite such efforts, selective abortion remains widespread.



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Related to this story:
China vow on sex-based abortion (02 Aug 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
China 'acts on forced abortions' (20 Sep 05 |  Asia-Pacific )
China's population passes 1.3bn (06 Jan 05 |  Asia-Pacific )
China acts to protect baby girls (15 Jul 04 |  Asia-Pacific )
China fears bachelor future (05 Apr 04 |  Asia-Pacific )
China steps up 'one child' policy (25 Sep 00 |  Asia-Pacific )

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