Mechanisms of the One Child Policy

There can be exceptions to the “one-child” policy; some families have had up to three children without a punishment. Families whose first child is unable to work, pregnancy that occurs after couples decided to adopt, and those returning overseas are allowed to have a second child.

Exceptions:

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  Children born outside of China are legal if they do not obtain citizenship.
  


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  In most rural areas, families are allowed to have another child if the first child is female or disabled, this is because the population in these areas are normally lower, but the second child is subject to birth spacing of 3 or 4 years.
  


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  Twins and triplets have no restrictions on them, so many women abuse this right and deliberately take fertility drugs.
  


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  'Han-Chinese', the ethnic group totaling 10% of China's population, is subject to different rights and can be allowed 3 or 4 children in rural areas.
  


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  Where a family is located has a bearing on how many children they are allowed. This 'One Child Policy' is usually only implemented in urban areas. Families living in rural areas are allowed more than one child. Also usually about 3 or 4 years afterwards.
  


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  There are a total of 56 minority tribes, including the Uygher, Naxi, Hui tribes. All of these tribes are excluded from the policy.
  


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  In some areas of China, the rule is that if the first child is female or disabled the family is allowed to have another child.