Host Lisa Ling examines the consequences of China's two-decade-old one-child policy, as it is commonly called. To curb the country's exploding population, China limits most families to one child or, in certain circumstances, two children. Due to cultural, social and economic factors, traditional preference leans toward boys, so girls are often hidden, aborted or abandoned. As a result, tens of thousands of girls end up in orphanages across China.

Documentary. Originally broadcast as a segment of: Ultimate explorer.