"Depending on where they live, couples can be fined thousands of dollars for having a supernumerary (extra) child without a permit, and reports of forced abortions or sterilization are common. The law also offers longer maternity leave and other benefits to couples that delay childbearing. Those who volunteer to have only one child are awarded a "Certificate of Honor for Single-Child Parents." Since 1979, the law has prevented some 250 million births, saving China from a population explosion the nation would have difficulty accommodating"
