Couples unwilling to have 2nd child

SHANGHAI: While China's family planning policy restricts most people from having a second child, more than half of those eligible to have another child don't want one. And the reason, according to a recent survey, is purely financial.

"It's not the family planning policy that makes me hesitate because my wife and I are both eligible (to have a second child). But what we are facing now is huge economic pressure," said 32-year-old Shanghai IT engineer George Zhang, whose wife is expecting their first baby.

"My entire income will go toward paying off our housing loan and the child's food and clothing," he said. "I can't afford a second baby, though I envy those families who have twins." The survey was conducted by the Shanghai-based Dongfang Daily following a reminder from the city government last month telling couples that if both spouses are sole children, they are eligible to have a second child.