City lawmakers propose paid leave for 2nd child

Changes to existing law would allow parents to share equally in childcare

Childcare leave for couples who have a second child should be written into law, allowing both fathers and mothers to take time off work to care for their new babies, several Shanghai lawmakers said during a session of their annual gathering on Monday.

They said such a provision would protect women's competitiveness in the job market and encourage couples to have a second child.