China has ended its one-child policy after three decades. The ruling Communist Party has said it will ease family planning restrictions, allowing couples to have two children. It is thought the one-child policy has prevented about 400million births since it was introduced. The controversial policy was introduced nationally three decades ago in 1978 with the aim of tackling China’s rapidly growing population. It faced global criticism when it was brought in, as critics suggested it was an abuse of people’s human rights. Those who violated the policy faced a range of punishments, from fines to loss of employment or forced abortions. While the restrictions reduced the country’s birth rate, it has seen a rise in the relative number of elderly people. Now, amid concerns over China’s ageing population, the party has bowed to activist’s call for change. The policy had been relaxed in some areas, as sociologists began to raise concerns about rising social costs and falling worker numbers. The rules were not formally relaxed by the Communist Party until two years ago, when it allowed couples in which at least one of the pair is an only child, and those who had a girl, to have a second.