China abolishes one-child policy

China’s ruling Communist Party has decided to abolish the country’s one-child policy and allow all couples to have two children.

In recent years the country has moved towards easing restrictions that were introduced in 1980 as a way to curb the population and limit demands for water and other resources.

The decision removes all remaining restrictions that limited some couples to having only one child, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The decision brings an end to the 30-year law, started in 1979.

The announcement followed a four-day meeting of China's ruling Communist Party, which was meeting to draw up a five year plan for economic and social development.