In a country of over 1.3 Billion people, it goes without saying that someone needs to keep an eye on population vs. natural resources. In China, that responsibility falls to the government.

Even though China has followed a single child (urban) and two children (rural) program since the 1970's, enforcement at the rural level has posed a steep challenge. Lax enforcement, corruption, and a mobile population have combined to see traditional family planning methods trump the needs of the state.

With its natural resources--including food and water--strained to the breaking point, the Chinese government has been forced to innovate its enforcement methods, trying to find a delicate balance between draconian measures, including forced abortions, and repsect for China's longstanding family traditions.