Until recently, China had a one-child policy that was introduced in 1979. The policy was created to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems in China. Multiple births such as twin or triplets were did not qualify for a penalty, but parents who had more than one child born at different times were given penalties.

Many people frowned on the policy, saying it was a violation of human rights and contributed to the growing number of abortions, abandonment and infanticides in China. Chinese authorities consider the policy a great success in helping to implement China’s current economic growth.

A recent relaxation in the policy has led many people to believe that a baby boom will soon take place in China, but the experts aren’t so sure about that. The relaxation allows parents who are only children and the parents of only one child, to have another child without receiving a penalty.

While many parents who are permitted to have another child likely will, many others are not jumping at the opportunity. The one-child policy has led many people in China to get used to the idea of having only one child. Many say that their economic status is better because they only have one child and others are not sure that they can afford another.

Not only has the policy had a major impact on economics in China, but also the perspectives of citizens who are able to have children. More Chinese citizens are focusing on their careers and social lives instead of building large families.

Chinese officials are likely to remove the policy altogether in the near future if they do not see a large growth in births among those who are allowed to have more children. Do you think the relaxation of the policy will cause a baby boom?

Image from Wikimedia Commons.