Issues and viewpoints

In 2014, most provincial regions relaxed the one-child policy and allowed couples to have a second child if one of them was an only child. However, a lower-than-expected number of couples chose not to have a second child even if they were eligible, according to reports. Legislators, political advisers and experts are contemplating whether a comprehensive two-child policy should be adopted. Comments:

China's relaxation of its one-child family planning policy after three decades has been well received by Beijing residents. Among the 30,000 applications to have a second child last year, 28,788 were approved. The relaxation of the policy might also pose a challenge to the capital's obstetrics and gynecology hospitals and obstetric departments.

Fang Laiying, CPPCC National Committee member and director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning