By Ruan Yiting (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-08-08 17:41

The ministries of education and public security, along with the National Family and Population Planning Commission issued a joint statement August 3, protecting university students' legal right to have children.

The circular says universities cannot stop a married student from continuing her studies because of her pregnancy, and instead will put her courses on hold until she can better take care of herself and her child.

The notice also serves as a guideline for post-secondary institutions on how to deal with the legitimate children's residency, also known as hukou.

The medical fee for obstetrics and delivering the baby will be included in the student's medical insurance program. But the statement also emphasizes that the married students must follow the national family planning policy and those who violate the policy will be seriously punished.

In September 2005, the Ministry of Education implemented a policy that allows university students to marry. But that policy did not specify how to deal with pregnant students.  

The latest circular sparked immediate discussion on the Internet. A survey conducted by Sohu.com shows that among the 3,134 participants, 1,805 support the new policy, and 1,329 are against.

The supporters argue that the statement shows respect for university students' basic rights; though most of them do not think there will be an increase of students having children.

While the opponents hold the view that the new guideline will falsely encourage students to have babies, this will disrupt their normal schooling, and also, university students not mature enough to bear the responsibility of having children.

Ms Zhang, a senior university student, said she doesn't think much of the latest government notice. "I would not have a baby when I am still in school, no matter if it is allowed or forbidden," Zhang said. "I am too young to have a kid."

Another university student, Ms Hu agreed. "Who would consider having a baby when there are so many other things to think about? College students have enough pressure as it is."

Mrs. Yi, a mother of a university student, is against the government-issued circular. "University is a place for academic studies, not a nursery," she said. "And college students should not be encouraged to have children."

There has been a steady increase of university students registering for marriage since the policy allowing them to wed was put into effect two years ago. In 2006, nearly 30 percent of the 30,000 newly registered couples in Haidian District of Beijing are university students.