| Abstract: | At the present time, the emphasis of the birth control program in China is in the rural areas where it is harder to implement a birth control policy. A new initiative taken in Liaoning Province to certify rural villages in family planning (FP) practice has proved to be successful. 6 criteria have to be met by a rural village to be qualified for certification: 1) an adequate FP organizational network, 2) comprehensive coverage of publicity and education program activities, 3) satisfactory FP program implementation, 4) extensive usage of contraceptive methods, 5) good quality service delivery, and 6) efficient program management. Specific regulations on organizational structure, educational activities, policy implementation, contraceptive supply, data collection and reporting, and management of finances have also been formulated to promote the certification process. Packages of incentives and disincentives have been established to integrate FP program implementation with the responsibilities, decision-making powers, and personal benefits of the leaders and the village community. The sense of birth control practice as a communal endeavor in villages has also been created under these regulations. Over 80% of villages in Liaoning province have now been certified. Various birth control model villages have been set up to promote the FP program elsewhere. |
