Family planning policy dilemma unraveled

The National Health and Family Planning Commission has said it would continue to collect social maintenance fees, or fines paid by couples for having more children than the State allows, and there is no timetable for implementing the two-child policy. The commission's remark was in response to public concerns over the draft regulation on the issue which it has submitted to the State Council, the cabinet, for approval.

"The fees will not be abolished because it would be unfair on couples who have abided by the family planning policy," Song Shuli, spokeswoman for the commission, said.

The commission's response has disappointed people seeking to have more than one child. It also means the decades-long family planning policy, under which the majority of couples can have only one child, will not be eased any time soon and the controversial social maintenance fees will continue to be imposed despite public opposition.