Shanghai ends one-child rule (Shanghai's Birth Rate is 0.88)

UK Guardian ^ | 24 July 2009 | Guardian

[GOPGuide]

Shanghai authorities are urging eligible couples to have a second baby, after years of following a one-child policy, amid concerns about a lack of young workers to support its ageing population.

snip

The problem is particularly acute in Shanghai. Zhang said its fertility rate was 0.88 in 2008 – far below the national average of around 1.8 – and that which is needed simply to keep the population at the same level.

snip

Xia Xueluan, a professor of sociology at Peking University, said family planning had many advantages, but applauded the new policy. "They should have done this earlier, and it should be promoted all over the country, not just in Shanghai."

Resentment is often sparked by the variation in the policing of the rules rather than the law per se – with many complaining that the rich are unaffected by fines that can cripple poorer households.

"I don't want a second child. One is enough, and I hope it is a girl, said expectant mother Yu Nan, 25. "It is very nice to be the only child; you don't need to share or grab things from others. You can have all your parents' attention. My parents have brothers and sisters, but when my grandparents died they quarrelled over the legacy. That was horrible and hurtful. Being the only child, you won't have those problems."

[HIDEK6]

We’ve been under One Child Rule since january 20, 2009.

[tbw2]

What about Obama's 2? ObamaCare Jokes Obama Jokes