Couples face wait for 'second-child' policy

Local regulations need to be amended or parents will still face penalties, says population expert

Couples who want a second child after the announcement on Thursday that China's "one-child policy" is ending will have to wait until the appropriate laws are amended, according to experts.

The launch of the new policy needs to be in accordance with regional population and family planning laws, and the birth of a second child before such regulations are passed into law will be deemed illegal.