China’s changing one-child policy: 20 million parents eligible

BEIJING - A new policy that allows couples to have a second child if one parent was an only child is gradually being implemented throughout China. Under the policy adjustment up to 20-million parents are eligible for a second child and up to 60% of respondents to a recent family-planning commission survey said they would like to have a second child.

The new policy passed by the central committee of the National People’s Congress in December, but now provincial governments are having to take care in how they implement the new rules because a nuance in interpretation can determine whether their child is deemed legal. The legal status of a child is essential in registering for education, health insurance, and for other benefits awarded to households.

The NPC has ordered all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to revise their population and birth-control rules and procedures, but gave local governments leeway to respond at their own speed taking into account regional considerations.