Premarital Abortion in China

List of figures

List of tables

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

Premarital Abortion as the Subject of Analysis

Constructing an Analytical Framework for the Study of Premarital Abortion in China

Studying Premarital Abortion in China

The Research Site

Characteristics of Informants

Ethical Considerations

The Organization of the Book

2 Premarital Abortion and Reproductive Politics in China

From Taboo to Social Problem

State Policies and Premarital Abortion

Intimacy, Marriage, Family, and Premarital Abortion

Contextualizing Premarital Abortion in the East Asian Demographic Transition

The Present Framework

3 The "Complete Life" in Reality: The Decision-Making of Premarital Abortion

Self-Governing Reproductive Agency in the Making

The "Choice" of Abortion

Postponing Familial Role

Rejecting a Hasty Marriage

Fear of Being a Single Mother

Pursuing a "Nested Birth"

Preparing for a Quality Child

Conclusion

4 The Intimate Trial: Couple Interaction during Premarital Abortion

Normalizing Sex, Pragmatizing Love

Seeking a Kaopu Man

"Authentic" Sex and "Somewhat Poisonous" Pill: Couple's Contraceptive Use

Abortion as the Intimate Trial

Immediate Reaction to Pregnancy

Abortion Decision-Making

Assistance in Medical Procedures

Caretaking

Financial Contribution

Rationalizing Love: Women's Reflections on Intimate Relationships after an Abortion

Conclusion

5 The Bonded Daughter: Intergenerational Dynamics and Premarital Abortion

Parental Expectations of a Daughter's Future Husband and Marriage

Partner's Socioeconomic Capacity

Geographical Proximity

Partner's Personal Qualities

Familial Reputation

Intergenerational Interactions during an Abortion

Excluding Parents from Their Abortion

Referencing Perceived Parental Views

Consulting Parents

Conforming to Parental Intervention

Conclusion

6 Articulating Abortion: Women's Post-Abortion Experiences

Articulating Complex Emotions

Navigating the Reflexive Self after Abortion

Infertility Panic and the Damaged Body

(De)personifying the Fetus, Regulating Emotions

Reframing Responsibility

Contesting the Meaning of "Rights"

Reclaiming Reputation

Conclusion

7 Humanized Care in Practice: Abortion Provisions in China

The Emergence of Humanized Care in China

Abortion Services in Three Medical Contexts

Basic Care in Public Hospitals

Commodified Care: For-Profit Private Hospitals

Patient-Centered Care: Community Clinic

Conclusion

8 Premarital Abortion and Reproductive Justice in China: Now and the Future

Premarital Abortion in the Era of Demographic Challenges

The Future of Reproductive Justice in China

Appendix

Socioeconomic Characteristics of the Women (N = 62)

Bibliography

Index