Draft legislation that includes fines for unmarried mothers in a city in Central China has sparked controversy among experts and residents.

The Regulation on Wuhan's Population and Family Planning Management, released by the city's legislative affairs office, imposes financial penalties on unmarried mothers, including those who give birth to a child for a married man although she is aware the man is married.

The aim is to intensify family planning management and keep the birth rate at a low level, according to the regulation.