China announced the end of its controversial one-child policy on Thursday. Its strict and brutal enforcement left the country with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

All couples now will be allowed to have two children, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a communique issued by the ruling Communist Party.

This historic change was “intended to balance population development and address the challenge of an ageing population”, Xinhua said.

Campaigners and human rights organizations welcomed the move, but highlighted that a “two-child policy” still meant that population control mechanisms would remain.

The policy was instituted in the late 1970s and for years authorities claimed that it was a key contributor to China’s economic boom. The one-child-policy, though, came with a system of fines for violators and often forced abortions.