Why the Stories of Two Unmarried Women Resonate with Millions of Chinese 20-Somethings

Dong Xiaoying, a Lawyer Based in the Southern Chinese City of Guangzhou and Founder of the Advocates for the Diverse Family Network, Agrees.

Why Single Women in China Use Foreign Sperm to Have Babies

China’s Laws Governing Children Born out of Wedlock Are Contradictory. the Social Insurance Law Dictates That Mothers Are Entitled to Employer-Provided Maternity Insurance. but Local Interpretations Require the Insured Woman to Prove Their “Childbearing Status” – Proof That Is Impossible to Obtain Without a Marriage Certificate.

Single Mothers in China Face Catch-22 When They Apply for Maternity Benefits, but This Woman Is Unbowed

By Maya Lin-Takahashi

• Oct 8, 2026 • 3 min read

Single Mothers in China Face Catch-22 When They Apply for Maternity Benefits, but This Woman Is Unbowed

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Despite the Outcome, Zou Believes the Lawsuits Were Worth Pursuing Because She Thinks She Has Helped Reveal Some of the Contradictory Laws and Regulatory Hurdles Faced by Single Mothers in China.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.

Tags: single mothers china face catch 22 when they apply