Why did some Chinese families hide the births of additional children from authorities?

Families in China often hid the births of additional children to circumvent the strict one-child policy, which was implemented by the government to limit most families to a single child.12

Because the policy was enforced through measures such as financial sanctions and, at times, forced abortions or sterilizations, many parents chose to keep subsequent births undocumented to avoid these consequences. This practice was particularly prevalent in rural areas, where traditional agrarian families often resisted the restrictions and maintained a strong cultural preference for multiple children, especially sons who could inherit property and care for elderly parents.12

Unfortunately, these "hidden" children faced significant hardships. Because their births were not officially registered, they often struggled to access essential services, including education and employment, throughout their lives.12