This Day, That Year

Item from Jan 24, 1983, in China Daily: The average number of children per couple in China has dropped by more than half in 11 years, according to the director of the State Family Planning Commission.

A nationwide survey, which began last September, shows that the average number of children per couple was 2.6 in 1981, as opposed to 5.8 in 1970. …

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government adopted policies that encouraged population growth. It even rewarded “hero” mothers who gave birth to many children.

However, in 1954, the government began introducing contraception.

Since 1960, late marriage was encouraged in cities and densely populated villages. And 10 years later, officials began formulating a family planning policy.

In 1971, a report on implementing family planning was approved.

In 1980, a new marriage law said couples were obliged to practice family planning, placing a limit of one child per family.

In September 1982, family planning was confirmed as a basic State policy for China.

The policy changed in 2002 when the Population and Family Planning Law took effect, and regions across China allowed couples to have a second child if both husband and wife were an only child.

The move was aimed at addressing major demographic challenges such as an aging population and a looming labor shortage.

In 2013, two children were allowed if either parent was an only child. And since last January, all couples have been allowed to have a second child.