This paper reports the fertility intension of women based on data from the national fertility survey in 2017 in China (CFS 2017), after implementation of the universal two-child policy, and analyses major related factors. The reported ideal number of children is 1.96 in average, and the intended number of children is 1.76, with obvious differences among different regions. The ideal number of children is highly correlated with the intended number of children, and intended number of children is related to number of children women already have. Women who have had one child intend to have fewer children than women who have not yet had a child. Women who have not yet had any child intend to have 1.60 children in average. The preference of boy varies by intended number of children.

Based on China fertility survey 2017, this report presents the national fertility level, age-specific fertility rate and parity distribution. The survey results show that during 2006-2016 the mean ages at first marriage and first birth increased by 2.7 and 2.6 years respectively. From 2006 to 2011, the total fertility rate was around 1.60-1.70, and experienced notable fluctuations during 2012-2016. Compared the agespecific fertility in 2006 with in 2011, the curve in 2016 shifted significantly to the right side. Affected by the relaxation of the fertility policy, the proportion of second births among the total births had increased year by year since 2012.

This paper examines the design and the process used to carry out the China Fertility Survey 2017, a national representative survey that collected data on fertility desire, childbearing behavior, the use of childbearing services, and the determinants of childbearing behavior. The sampling method adopted was three-stage stratified probabilities proportional to size (PPS), and survey implementation made use of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). CAPI played a significant role in survey design, last-stage sampling, interviewer training, face-to-face interviews, and questionnaire review and quality control. The survey results were compared with relevant data in the Integrated Management Information System for Population and Family Planning to check consistency. Ex post facto weighting was applied to correct sample structure bias. The process used to acquire accurate personal information is summarized. Suggestions based on consideration of sampling frame distortion by population mobility and other factors are put forward in the hope of improving similar sampling surveys in the future.

This paper examines the effect of parental, household and community character‐istics on the health of children in China. We find that birth order, death of elder siblings, use of prenatal care and alcohol consumption by the mother when pregnant have statistically significant effects on the health of children. Although parental education does not have a significant direct effect on child health, it does affect mothers’ behavior during pregnancy and inflfluences the use of health inputs, indirectly impacting the health of children. The research findings have important implications for both family planning programs and broader social policies in China.

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