In a truly historic decision China have decided that all couples will now be allowed to have two children.
The highly controversial policy was introduced in 1979 to help ease the countries population increase. Couples who violated the policy were sanctioned.
These sanctions could take the form of fines, loss of employment or even forced abortions. The policy has been estimated to have prevented 400 million births over the decades.
Some provinces have eased off the policy over the years as China’s ageing population became a concern.
Some experts say, however, that many families will probably continue to have just one child as it has become the social norm.
With around 30% of China’s population currently over 50 and with there still being a large gender imbalance in the country this policy hopes to help fix China’s social problems.
