Lack of Clear Policy Direction on Two-Child Rule Leaves Nation Guessing

(Beijing) – Regional family-planning officials say the lack of clarity on when the new two-child rule will come into effect has put them in legal limbo, unable to issue birth permits to couples who conceive a second child before the new policy kicks in, leading to "illegal births" even after the policy shift.

The ruling Communist Party decided to abolish the controversial one-child rule in late October, but has failed to give a clear signal on when the two-child rule will come into effect.