Chinese lawmakers are considering amending the family planning law to allow couples to have two children amid efforts to counter shrinkage of the work force and an ageing population.
"The State advocates that one couple can give birth to two children," according to a draft amendment submitted for review at the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee which opened on Monday.
The draft came after the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee decided in October to give the go ahead for the universal two-child rule, which will replace the decades-long "one couple, one child" policy.
Li Bin, head of National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), said the CPC's decision was made to adapt to the transition of China's population from young to old currently underway.
In order to implement the decision, the top legislature must amend the family planning law which took effect in 2002.
Under the current law, citizens who marry late and delay childbearing may be entitled to longer nuptial and maternity leaves. Couples who volunteer to have only one child in their lifetime enjoy rewards.
The articles were deleted in the draft, implying the new law will likely take effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
The amendment will not affect the welfare enjoyed by the elderly whose family abides by the current family planning law, parents who have only one child and parents whose only child is disabled or deceased.
While clarifying the draft, Li said people who have been receiving rewards and assistance before the law was amended will continue to receive it afterwards.
The draft also allows couples of a reproductive age to make their own choice whether to adopt contraceptive methods. The draft no longer stipulates that couples shall accept technical services and guidance for family planning.
Medical institutes will also be able to employ assisted reproductive technology after being authorized based on their personnel, facilities and ethical management, according to the draft.
