(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-24 16:03

Chen Juan, 37, conceived her child through in vitro fertilization or IVF three years ago, even as being an unwed mother was still frowned upon by most people including those in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

"I will try my best to give my son a happy life," said Chen.

But Chen was fined 20,000 yuan ($2,698) when she had her son.

"I have the right to be a mother, regardless of whether I want to get married or not," she lamented. A large number of women in the country's urban areas share Chen's view.

In 2001, 18 Shanghai women became mothers without getting married, with the figure hitting 43 a year later.

Most of such women are highly educated, earn a decent income and are in high social positions.

www.chinanews.cn