3 mai 1979 - Second Marriage Law

Description:

By 1979, China's population was nearing 1 billion. The CCP was nervous that rapid expansion was inhibiting their economic ability due to the need to provide for such a large populace.

New Marriage Law:
- Marriage age was further increased to 22, 20.
- Couples were only allowed one child. A couple had to get a permit to give birth and the state coudl order late-term abortions and sterilisations for women who already had one child.
- Penalties for going over one child were introduced. Couples who only had one child received cash bonuses and extra rations.

Consequences:
- Female infanticide increased, as families valued a male child more than female. This created a gender imbalance in China's society.