China confirms all citizens can now have third child amid policy change confusion
- Health commission says couples can register with their local authorities, even though change has not yet been legislated
- Documents will be issued once the amendment has been passed and mothers will be entitled to 98 days of maternity leave
The clarification was made by the National Health Commission, according to Shanghai news outlet The Paper, amid confusion over when the change would take effect.
Although Beijing said it would scrap a two-child limit in May – as it grapples with the challenges of an ageing population – the change has not yet been legislated.
China’s cabinet submitted the proposed amendment to the top legislative body on June 18, but the National People’s Congress Standing Committee has yet to endorse it.
However, the National Health Commission told The Paper that couples who want to have a third child can do so and have been able to do so since May 31.
The health commission said couples must register with their local authorities and they will be able to get the documents needed once the amendment is passed, according to the report on Tuesday. Mothers having a third child will be entitled to 98 days of maternity leave.
02:04
China expands two-child policy to three