China implemented its One Child Policy in 1979 to address concerns over its large and growing population. The policy limited urban couples to one child and rural families could have a second child if the first was a female. Those who violated the policy faced punishments like forced abortions, sterilizations, and fines. While the policy succeeded in slowing population growth, it has contributed to issues like a gender imbalance from sex-selective abortions and a shrinking workforce to support an aging population. The Chinese government has begun relaxing the policy in recent years.