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A couple in southern China faced harsh criticism after appealing for financial help following the birth of quadruplets, adding to their two daughters. The wife, surnamed Li, gave birth to four baby girls on August 23 at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital in Guangdong province. The quadruplets, born a month early, were sent to intensive care and will need to stay for at least a month, at a cost of about 200,000 yuan (US$28,000).
The father, surnamed Chen, expressed his concern over the financial strain. "I don't have 200,000 yuan. I’m an ordinary employee with a modest income. I feel helpless and hope society will help us," Chen said. He explained that while the local social security authority would eventually reimburse 80% of the medical bills, the couple must pay the costs upfront.
Chen and his wife both work for the same company in Shenzhen, with a combined monthly income of 10,000 yuan (US$1,400). However, after giving birth, Li had to quit her job to care for their six daughters, reducing their household income by nearly half.
Despite the couple’s plea for help, the news sparked widespread debate online. Many criticized their decision to keep all four embryos after learning about the pregnancy. “If they knew they couldn’t afford it, why did they choose to give birth to all the quadruplets?” one commenter questioned. Others speculated that the couple might have wanted a son, reflecting the traditional preference for male heirs in some Chinese families.
In response to the couple’s financial worries, a representative from the Shenzhen Women’s Federation suggested they apply for the Woman and Child Aid Fund, which could provide 2,000 yuan (US$280) per year. However, this small amount seemed unlikely to alleviate the significant financial burden they face.
The story quickly gained traction, with over 10 million views on Douyin, as netizens debated whether society should help families in similar situations.
