Wife of Chinese activist condemns government over forced abortion

Wang Xifeng, the wife of Chinese human rights activist Qin Yongmin, has denounced the government of China before the United Nations for allegedly forcing her to undergo an abortion.

In a letter sent to the Human Rights of China organization headquartered in Hong Kong, Xifeng said her case began when she moved to Wuhan in May to marry Yongmin. 

According to Xifeng, the Chinese government refused to recognize the marriage and has considered it illegal. She said that without any explanation, the couple was detained in June for 26 days. 

During that time, Xifeng claims she was forced to undergo an abortion as China does not allow couples who are not legally married to have children.

“We are under 24-hour surveillance,” she said. “We can leave home but we limit ourselves to staying in the city and we are always being watched.”

Xifeng has called on the United Nations to investigate the abuse she and her husband have suffered – including numerous imprisonments for defending human rights.