New year sees clear horizon

New laws take effect

90 million: Number of those newly eligible to have a second child after the law takes effect. [Photo/Xinhua]

1. Amendment to Law on Population and Family Planning

The new amendment allows all couples in China to have two children, and those with two children are eligible for longer maternity leave.

Relaxation of the family planning policy is designed to help counter the social challenges of an aging population and to lay the groundwork for new drivers of the economy in the long run.

The law has received a lot of public attention since it was submitted to China's top legislature for discussion.

Some population experts said it marks the beginning of a new era for family life in China.