Does a woman have to give birth? That’s what 1.4 million people were discussing on Chinese social media this week after a clapback by a famous actress. Qin Lan, who’s perhaps best known for her role in the hit TV drama Story of Yanxi Palace, said in an interview: “People have been asking me why I’m not getting married, and some have even suggested it’s ‘irresponsible’ if I don’t have a baby. I think it’s strange. “What’s it to you if I use my uterus or not?” That line went viral and became its own hashtag on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. The 38-year-old actress’s remarks struck a chord with many women, who struggle to deal with conservative values in a rapidly modernizing Chinese society. Chinese women who are single beyond their 20s continue to be derided as “leftover” women—unwanted and therefore of seemingly lower value. 
In recent years, young educated women in China have hit back against some of these stereotypes. Some have even decided that they don’t need a man in their lives to start a family (read our story about the growing single-motherhood movement here). We'll leave you with one more gem of wisdom from Qin Lan: “In your life, your longest-lasting companion is you.” So love yourselves, friends. | 
