Experts Debate Right Age for Female Adults to Get Pregnant Amid Rising Child-Rearing Costs

Several Chinese netizens have discussed the increasing cost of raising a child and the aging of the population in China on Weibo. Some of them have expressed concerns about various aspects of child-rearing, including tuition, interest classes, and housing.

One netizen pointed out that the tuition for a preschool course costs 7,700 yuan per semester, and the total cost for four and a half years would be 38,500 yuan. For elementary school, the tuition is 9,600 yuan per semester, and the total cost for six years would be 115,200 yuan. Another netizen mentioned that the rent for the parent's apartment during middle school would cost 30,000 yuan every three years, and the total cost would be 90,000 yuan. Furthermore, the cost of extracurricular classes for elementary school students would amount to 10,000 yuan per year, and the total cost for six years would be 60,000 yuan. Another netizen stated that the cost of after-school classes for middle school students would be 50,000 yuan per year, and the total cost for three years would be 150,000 yuan.

When quoting the experts, some netizens expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with women conceiving children at an older age. For example, one netizen mentioned, "I don't believe in these expert opinions. The post only talks about the danger of not getting pregnant at the right time but does not mention the risks associated with pregnancy itself." Another said, "Pregnancy should be a personal decision; some couples may have their own plans and considerations. We don't need people telling us what to do."

Other netizens criticized the experts for urging female adults to get pregnant at the right age. According to them, this is a violation of personal freedom. A user wrote, "We have to consider the economic situation, education costs, and future prospects. Pregnancy should be a personal decision that depends on each couple, so there should be no outside interference."

Despite the backlash, several netizens agreed with the experts' opinion. They argued that some families may not have the financial resources or the emotional energy to raise a child. A user wrote, "Getting pregnant at the right age can reduce the risk of giving birth to children with genetic problems. Therefore, this is a personal decision."

In response to the experts' opinions, some netizens argued that it was not the right time for the experts' to speak up. They pointed out that the cost of raising a child has risen significantly, and many people have difficulty even affording basic necessities. A user wrote, "In my opinion, experts should focus on solving the more significant problems of the national economy and people's livelihood rather than urging people to get pregnant."

Some netizens also pointed out that, in addition to the physical risks associated with older age pregnancy, the mental and emotional state is also important. One user wrote, "Mental health is also essential in getting pregnant. If a woman is under a lot of stress, it could affect the development of the fetus."

Finally, some netizens criticized the expert's views as insensitive and out of touch with the real world. They pointed out that many women are still struggling for equal rights, and that they often face pressure from their families and society to have children. A user wrote, "It's very difficult for some women to have children, especially those who are single or whose partners don't want children. The experts' opinions seem ignorant of the real situation of many women."

In conclusion, while the opinions of the experts have evoked mixed reactions among Chinese netizens, they have also raised several important issues that need to be addressed in Chinese society. Some netizens believe that it is up to each couple to decide when and if they want to have children, while others argue that experts should focus on more significant issues facing the country. Regardless, these discussions highlight the complex and sensitive nature of the topic of child-rearing in China.