China offers free contraceptives to migrants

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-21 14:17

BEIJING -- China's migrant citizens will receive free contraceptives and related services at places of their current residence, according to a new family planning regulation for migrant population.

The new regulation which will take effect on October 1 stipulates that migrants can enjoy services related to family planning, award and preferential treatment which cover free contraceptives, publicity of knowledge on population and family planning laws and procreation health, among others.

The regulation, publicized on the central government's online portal www.gov.cn on Wednesday, said the migrant citizens will also enjoy preferential treatments and support in running their own businesses and in receiving social relief if they comply with family planning policies.

According to the latest statistics released by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, the country's total migrant population, mainly migrant workers who leave their rural hometowns to seek better jobs in cities, has exceeded 150 million, more than 70 percent of whom are of child-bearing age.