According to the 7th National Population Census of China, the estimated rate of childlessness for women aged 49 is 5.16% in 2020, lower than that reported in the European Union (19%) and in the United States (11%). The heterogeneity of childlessness in China is increasing, showing distinct differences regarding to period, cohort, education, place of residence, and regions. The childlessness level of women aged 49 with high levels of education, living in cities and regions with ultra-low fertility levels is much higher. Factors like the acceleration of urbanization, the continued popularization of higher education, and the ongoing trend of marriage and childbearing delay would further promote the rise of the childlessness level. Given China's low share of non-marital births and third births and above, the continuous rise of childlessness level would have a stronger negative impact on the newborn population and total fertility rates, thereby affecting China's ability to maintain the aimed suitable fertility level. The government should attach great importance to and address the issue in advance.

This study utilizes four waves of data from 1997-2017 China Fertility Survey and analyzes the levels and trends of induced abortion since the early 21st century. Married women of reproductive age who had pregnancy history within the five years before each survey were selected as research object. The study dissected the characteristics of induced abortion in different periods, including the number and gender of children, contraceptive use, and other relevant information. The results show that the occurrence of induced abortion decreased gradually, and the risk of induced abortion was higher for those who had given birth to less children. Meanwhile, induced abortion among 2-children women increased recently. It is noteworthy that premarital induced abortions among childless women continued to increase in recent years, and the sexual and reproductive health issues of adolescents remained serious. The occurrence of induced abortions after childbirth increased for those with one or two children, showing that the unmet need for contraception after childbirth should gain more attention. In addition, sex-selective abortion has been decreasing gradually but still exists. Therefore, gender equality advocacy needs to be strengthened.