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Giving birth as a national duty

Dec 12, 2025 •

Condoms and other contraceptives are set to become more expensive in China, as the Communist Party tries to boost population growth. 

With the economy slowing, birth rates declining and the population ageing, the government is now trying all kinds of ways to make women have more babies – from taxing contraception, to new laws on marriages, to cash bonuses and propaganda campaigns.

Reproduction is now seen as a national security issue, and the success or failure of the new policies will have far-reaching consequences – for China’s economic and military strength, and for countries like Australia, who rely on China continuing to grow.

Today, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, Daria Impiombato – on the threat to women’s autonomy in China’s new phase of population control.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Giving birth as a national duty

1752 • Dec 12, 2025

Giving birth as a national duty

Condoms and other contraceptives are set to become more expensive in China, as the Communist Party tries to boost population growth. 

With the economy slowing, birth rates declining and the population ageing, the government is now trying all kinds of ways to make women have more babies – from taxing contraception, to new laws on marriages, to cash bonuses and propaganda campaigns.

Reproduction is now seen as a national security issue, and the success or failure of the new policies will have far-reaching consequences – for China’s economic and military strength, and for countries like Australia, who rely on China continuing to grow.

Today, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, Daria Impiombato – on the threat to women’s autonomy in China’s new phase of population control.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: Senior analyst at The Mercator Institute for China Studies, Daria Impiombato

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Arielle Richards, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

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1752: Giving birth as a national duty