CHINA CHANGES CHILD POLICY

In an attempt to save the country from a declining birth rate, China has announced that it will now allow couples to have up to three children per family.

This updated policy replaces the current version, where couples are only allowed to have two children. The two-children policy became official only five years ago in an attempt to boost birth rates.

For decades, couples were only allowed to have one child per family. During these times, couples faced harsh penalties if they had more than one child, and some even had to undergo forced abortions.

Although China is the most populous country in the world, it doesn't have enough young people to carry the economy. With a startling number of people reaching old age or already retired, the country's economy is soon to face harsh times.

In 2020, China's birth rate hit a record low number of 12 million.

With people already under financial strain, the concept of having another child means even more worries. Chinese media has reportedly said that benefits will be allowed for those couples who opt to have a third child, but no further details around these benefits have been supplied.

The Guardian reports that the news has been met with criticism from young couples as the financial burden of having another child is just too much for them.

Image credit: South China Morning Post