The city government of Shanghai, the largest city in China, has launched a campaign to encourage families to have a second child. The new two-child policy is a reversal of the old one-child policy which was written into the Chinese constitution in 1978, and went on to prevent some 400 million births. The Chinese regime applied the one-child policy for years to address the then problem of unstoppable population growth.
Shanghai has over three million citizens older than 60 years, comprising nearly 22 percent of the population. In 2020, the proportion is expected to increase to about 34 percent. The objective of the new policy is to reduce the proportion of elderly in the population and, thus, address labor shortages.
‘Family planning officials in Shanghai will make home visits to encourage couples to have a second child if both grew up as only children.’ China’s reproductive policies can be stringent. ‘Couples who ignore China’s birth control policies usually pay fines and may face discrimination at work.’ On the other hand, there are economic incentives for a newborn member of the household. ‘Emotional and financial counselling will also be provided.’
The citizens are divided on the new ruling. Some believe that the measure is good because it gives them access to economic aid and opens the possibility of expanding the family. For others, it is not a good idea as raising a child is considered stressful.
Via BBC
