The PRC Law on Population and Family Planning, entering into effect in September 2002, stipulates that "when promoting family planning, the people's governments at all levels and their staff members shall perform their administrative duties strictly in accordance with law, and enforce the law in a civil manner, and they may not infringe upon legitimate rights and interests of citizens", that where staff members of government agencies "infringing on a citizen's personal rights, property rights or other legitimate rights and interests" in carrying out family planning work", "if the act constitutes a crime, shall be investigated for criminal liability in accordance with law; if it does not constitute a crime, he shall be given an administrative sanction in accordance with law". Staff from family planning authorities must take the lead in enforcing the PRC Law on Population and Family Planning and other relevant laws and regulations.

    Since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in 1994, the Chinese government has exerted active efforts to implement the principle of focusing upon "all-round human development", insisted upon applying the human-centered scientific development concept in population and family planning programs, promoted rule of law, enhanced quality of care, and safeguarded public rights and interests. All these are sustained efforts towards constructing a harmonious socialist society.

    Earlier this year, complaints about family planning work in Linyi of Shandong Province were on the rise. The National Population and Family Planning Commission (NPFPC) and the Shandong Provincial Population and Family Planning Committee have attached high attention to the issue and initiated investigation thereof some time ago. They have requested that Linyi consistently satisfy the requirements of rule of law throughout its family planning work.

    A thorough investigation takes time, to ensure that all parties concerned are treated in a fair and objective manner. The investigation is still not finished, but once it is, any infringements against the law that are proven to be factual will be punished.

    In a word, the Chinese Government will effectively uphold the principle of rule of law and resolutely safeguard legitimate rights and interests of the general public in its population and family planning work.