Further reform of family planning policy needed

From May 5 to 7, about 200 families who have lost their only child appealed to the National Health and Family Planning Commission for compensation. The State eased family planning policy by allowing parents, one of whom is the only child of his/her family, to have a second child last year, but people call for more reforms. Comments:

It is the State policy, which allows most families to have only one child, that causes tragedy for so many families. The number of families that have lost their only child is estimated to be more than 1 million and will continue to grow. The State now offers a low subsidy to them, but that's far from enough. What is needed is a comprehensive social security system that compensates the parents for their loss and supports them when they grow old.

Mu Guangzong, a demographics expert at Peking University, May 11

Beijing launched a pilot program on Sunday, whereby those senior citizens whose only children are dead could reside in public-funded care homes. However, much more needs to be done. The authorities should consult these senior citizens about their real needs. Only when those needing help have a say in the decision-making process can the authorities provide help in need.

people.com.cn, May 11

Whatever subsidies or other help the State provides, the scars resulting from the loss of an only child will never heal. The true solution lies in reforming the current family planning policy and allowing more families to have two or more children, so that the number of such tragedies will decrease in the future. Under the current policy, many couples born in the 1970s or 1980s who want a second child are not allowed to do so. If the policy doesn't change soon, they will miss their last chance.

Xue Baosheng, a researcher at Jilin Population and Development Research Center, May 10