China has decided to end its decades-long one-child policy, Xinhua news agency reports.
All couples will now be allowed to have two children, the state-run news agency said, citing a statement from the Communist Party.
The controversial policy was introduced nationally in 1979, to reduce the country's birth rate and slow the population growth rate.
However, concerns at China's ageing population led to pressure for change.
The one-child policy is estimated to have prevented about 400m births since it began.
Couples who violated the policy faced a variety of punishments, from fines and the loss of employment to forced abortions.
Over time, the policy was relaxed in some provinces, as demographers and sociologists raised concerns about rising social costs and falling worker numbers.
The Communist Party began formally relaxing national rules two years ago, allowing couples in which at least one of the pair is an only child to have a second child.
The announcement comes on the final day of a summit of the Chinese Communist Party's policy-making Central Committee, known as the fifth plenum.
The party is also set to announce growth targets and its next five year plan.
Latest Stories
-
Koda should have visited the pastor to avert the prophecy – Ajagurajah
19 mins -
Emotional support alligator taken and released in swamp
26 mins -
A mate is a mate, Bawumia can’t be in the driver’s seat – NDC Communicator
28 mins -
Over 400 million Google accounts have used passkeys, but our passwordless future remains elusive
31 mins -
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park surpasses Aburi Gardens as most visited site in 2023 – GTA
33 mins -
Third IFC EDGE Students Design Competition opens in Ghana
41 mins -
Baidoo: Disgraceful maltreatment of the Black Princesses must stop
51 mins -
Telecel Ghana commits to community collaboration during Western Region tour
1 hour -
Chieftaincy Ministry shouldn’t have written the letter – Atuguba on Akufo-Addo-chiefs saga
1 hour -
Joe Vibe strikes a ‘Pose’ with new song
1 hour -
Works begin on inner-city roads in Ho
1 hour -
GJA to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Koforidua
1 hour -
West Ham ban director Tim Steidten from dressing room as search continues for new manager
2 hours -
I haven’t been treated well by the NPP but I remain loyal – Former NPP MP
2 hours -
IGP petitioned to probe Kwadaso MP over ‘white envelope’ incident
2 hours