A Chinese pregnant woman waits for examination at the Pudong branch of the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital in Shanghai, China, 5 August 2009. [Photo/IC]

It is reported that a rural credit cooperative union in Henan province, Central China, has stipulated that its female employees have to report their pregnancy plans and apply and wait for their turn to give birth. If they fail to carry out the plan and affect the work schedule, they have to pay a fine of 1,000 yuan ($160). Comments:

Reproductive rights are a basic right and should not be interfered with. It is clearly stipulated in the Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women and Children that female employees may not be dismissed or their contracts unilaterally terminated because of marriage, pregnancy, maternity leave or nursing of a child. The logic behind the credit cooperative union's illegal pregnancy arrangement is "for work needs", which is understandable as companies are cost-conscious. However, if the cost cutting is at the expense of employee's rights, it loses all legitimacy. Moreover, a company that lacks the human touch will not thrive as it will not gain its employees' loyalty.

Gmw.cn, July 3

One of the means to fundamentally solve the problem is to constantly improve the social security system to protect employees' legitimate rights and interests. It is the responsibility of society to uphold the reproductive rights of women, and a healthy environment should be cultivated and established to respect women's status and free them from pregnancy-related worries in their workplace. Meanwhile, the labor security department and labor union should investigate and punish companies where similar policies prevail, so dishonorable employers cannot just do as they please.

Cnhubei.com, July 4

It is against common sense that women can perfectly control the timing to get pregnant. Even when it is controllable, it is up to the female employees, rather than their employer, to decide the time, which is safeguarded by the law.

Guangzhou Daily, July 3