PIP: The authors describe a technological exchange visit with the People's Republic of China sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology. A group of childbirth educators observed the cultural aspects of childbirth, obstetric practices, and family planning programs. 5 cities were visited in which the visitors discussed US childbirth practices and received information regarding Chinese practices. The status of women was crucial to the Chinese attitude towards childbirth. There are measures to protect women in the work place during pregnancy and lactation, an improvement over past years. China's primary health care system is divided into 4 levels: 1) part-time health workers, 2) cooperative medical stations staffed by "barefoot doctors," 3) commune health centers, and 4) the county hospital. Urban dwellers can make use of factory health services and local hospitals. Midwives are responsible for low risk prenatal care and 90-95% of all births are to primigravidas, since the 1 child family campaign began in 1979. Labor and delivery procedures are described and seem to be similar to US practices 10-20 years ago although progress has been made in decreasing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Postpartum practices include breastfeeding for 1 year, restricting activity, and eating certain foods for 1 month after birth. Acupuncture is used to replace anesthesia in 99% of cesarean sections and sometimes during labor to relieve pain. Moxibustion therapy, the burning of leaves of the mugwart plant in a wrapped tube to warm a specific site on the skin is used for turning breech presenting babies. The Chinese family planning program has been successful in dropping the birth rate by 50% between 1970-78 due to the commitment of government leaders, a successful incentives program, strong information programs, and widely available contraceptives; it is estimated that by 2035 25% of the population will be over 65 years. 20-50% of Chinese preschool children are in day care and child health is considered a priority.