China Moves to "Legalize" Three-Child Policy

Chinese lawmakers are discussing a draft amendment to the law that would allow each couple to have three children, marking a significant legal step to legitimize the new three-child birth policy in China. The draft amendment to the Population and Family Planning Law was presented yesterday (Tuesday) to the current session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for review, according to Xinhua. The draft abolishes related restrictive measures, particularly the imposition of fines on couples who violate the law by having more children than permitted. It also suggests supportive measures related to the new childbearing policy, especially exploring paternity leave and establishing more childcare facilities in residential communities, public places, and workplaces. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council adopted a decision in late June that allows couples to have three children and introduces supportive measures to encourage childbirth.