Couples in China's Sichuan province will be allowed to have as many children as they want, as the country continues to try and get a grip on its declining population.

Last year, the population in China fell for the first time in 60 years.

For decades, the country had a one-child policy - increased nationally for married couples to three in 2021.

As part of the policy change in Sichuan, unmarried individuals will also now be able to raise children.

Previously there was a ban on single women registering a birth.

In 2016, China scrapped its controversial one-child policy, which was introduced in 1979. Families that broke the rules were fined and, in some cases even lost jobs.

 

In a culture that historically favours boys over girls, the policy also led to forced abortions.

It's disgraceful that any government should dictate how many children people should be allowed to have.

 

This is what happens when the state has too much power. One of many reasons I support minimal state intervention in the private lives of citizens.