Chinese Single Motherhood By Choice: A feminist perspective on assisted reproductive technology

Abstract

Reproductive freedom and justice are integral to achieving gender equality. In China, however, women—particularly single women—do not fully enjoy their reproductive rights, especially when it comes to deciding how they wish to have children if they are unmarried. This gap is reflected in the limited research on single motherhood by choice through assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly from a feminist perspective. The personal experiences and voices of women on this topic remain largely absent.

This study explores whether legitimizing single motherhood by choice through ART is both necessary and feasible. It draws on feminist theories, including standpoint theory, grounded theory, and intersectionality. Semi-structured interviews are used to understand who chooses to become single mothers through ART, their motivations, and the barriers they face. Efforts are made to include a diverse group of participants, encompassing variations in education, financial status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, and geographic location, to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework.

The target group for this research is single women aged 18 to 50 who are not married or in a committed long-term relationship. Data is collected both online and offline in China. The findings provide a detailed account of participants' profiles, motivations, and challenges, offering a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon. Based on the results, the study formulates policy recommendations to support reproductive freedom and justice for single women in China.