The dilemma of having a second child  

半数以上受访者愿意生“二孩” 财力精力成绊脚石

今年，生育新政将在各地渐次推开。继浙江、江西、安徽率先实施“单独两孩”政策后，北京、天津、江苏、广西等地也给出时间表。“催生”的鼓点似乎越来越密。“生，还是不生？”“单独”夫妇们拿定主意了吗？公共服务、社会保障准备好了吗？[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- More than half of the respondents in various surveys have showed intention to have a second child, yet many lack the money or energy to do so, the People's Daily reported on Friday.

Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Anhui provinces have so far implemented changes in family planning policies that allow couples in which one spouse is an only child to have two children. Another nine provinces and municipalities are expected to complete the approval process soon.

Zhang, a post-70s in Anhui province, has prepared for a second child. "Having siblings is good for developing a child's healthy personality," she said.

Zhao Jie in Beijing, who nursed her father through cancer after her mother died three years ago, has also decided to have a second child. Siblings mean sharing responsibilities, especially when parents suffer from illness, she said.

"A family with a child is actually risky," said Mu Guangzong, from the Institute of Population Research under Peking University, adding that five percent of every 1,000 children die before they turn 25 years old.

A second child challenges a family's economic capability, said Yuan Xin, a professor at Nankai University's Institute of Population and Development.

According to a recent survey, more than 71.4 percent of respondents whose monthly salaries exceed 20,000 yuan are eager to have a second child, while less than half of those making less than 2,000 yuan want to.

Gao Bin, a web editor in Beijing, said one fourth of his income goes to his son's kindergarten fees, and he probably can't afford another child.

Chen Jie, a supervisor at an insurance company, said that having a second child will hinder her career.

Furthermore, many aging grandparents can't take care of another grandchild, she added.

Yuan Xin said that governments should adopt a series of favorable policies for having second children, like prolonging maternity leave, raising childbirth allowances, and adding more kindergartens.