Ling Wang

Researcher & Writer in Population Policy and Fertility Ethics
Durham, North Carolina, USA

Research Fields
Population Policy
Demographic Transition
Fertility Ethics
Reproductive Culture
Christian Ethics and Family Life

Education
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) — in progress

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA
Expected completion: December 2028

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA
January 2023 – December 2025

M.A. in Journalism

Renmin University of China, Beijing
September 2000 – June 2003

B.A. in Journalism

Nanjing Normal University, China
September 1990 – June 1994

Academic Appointment
Visiting Scholar

Duke University
2025 – Present

Research areas include demographic transition, fertility ethics, reproductive culture, and the social legacy of population control policies.

Purdue University
2012.12-2013.7

Professional Experience
Independent Researcher

Population Policy, Fertility Ethics & Demographic Studies
May 2018 – Present

Conduct interdisciplinary research on population policy, reproductive ethics, and demographic transition in contemporary China. This work integrates journalism, sociology of religion, and ethical reflection to examine how long-term population control policies shape fertility attitudes, abortion practices, and family formation.

Co-Founder
New Generations Population Research Institute (NGPRI)

Hong Kong
Founded January 23, 2026

NGPRI focuses on the non-quantifiable dimensions of population and fertility studies, including cultural, psychological, ethical, and religious factors influencing reproductive behavior and demographic change.

Senior Journalist / Director of News / Reporter
China Business News (CBN)

May 2010 – May 2018

Authored more than 100 investigative reports on population policy, unintended pregnancy, reproductive governance, and social transformation in China. Produced long-form narrative journalism widely cited and republished domestically and internationally.

Journalist
China Industrial News

July 2003 – October 2004

Reported on economic reform, labor issues, and public policy.

Television Reporter
Xuzhou Television

August 1994 – July 2000

Reported on regional social affairs and public policy.

Research Projects
Fertility Intentions and Abortion Practices among Chinese Christians (2015–2021)

Empirical research combining surveys and qualitative interviews examining how Chinese Christians navigate tensions between religious beliefs and China’s family planning policies.

Research topics include:
• fertility intentions
• abortion decision-making
• moral conflicts between faith and policy
• reproductive ethics in Chinese Christianity

Ethical Legacy of China’s Population Control Policies
Ongoing research exploring how decades of state-regulated reproduction have reshaped social attitudes toward fertility, family life, and human dignity.

Reproductive Culture and Demographic Transition in China
Ongoing research exploring how decades of state-regulated reproduction have reshaped social attitudes toward fertility, family life, and human dignity.

Academic Publications
Wang, Ling

“Choosing Between God’s Will and the Law—A Study of Chinese Christians’ Dilemma Over Fertility Desires and Behaviors.”

In Shades of Gray in the Changing Religious Market, 2021.

This chapter analyzes the ethical dilemmas Chinese Christians face when navigating tensions between religious convictions and state family planning policies.

Books
Beijing Pregnancy Stories

Narrative non-fiction documenting reproductive experiences under China’s one-child policy.
First edition published 2014.

Beijing Pregnancy Stories (Republished Edition)

Expanded edition addressing the long-term legacy of population control policies and China’s emerging demographic crisis.
2026

Selected Journalism
During her journalism career, Wang produced more than 100 investigative reports addressing:
• population policy implementation
• unintended pregnancy and abortion practices
• reproductive governance in China
• demographic change and social transformation

Her work combines investigative reporting, narrative storytelling, and policy analysis.

Invited Talks and Public Engagement
Ling Wang regularly speaks in academic, church, and public forums on topics including:
• China’s population crisis and demographic transition
• fertility ethics and reproductive culture
• abortion and moral decision-making in Chinese Christianity
• the social consequences of population control policies

Awards and Honors
China Television Award — Second Prize
China Urban Television News Award — First Prize

Languages
Chinese (native)
English

Contact
Ling Wang

Durham, North Carolina, USA

Email:
l.wang@duke.edu
marylynnwl777@gmail.com

Phone: +1-919-641-5367

Website: lingwang.org