China has announced that it will cover all out-of-pocket expenses related to childbirth starting next year. The policy aims to encourage more young couples to have children amid declining birth rates.
The country’s national healthcare security administration said that by 2026, China will offer nationwide full reimbursement for all medical costs linked to childbirth. This includes prenatal checkups and other policy-covered expenses. Authorities said the goal is to achieve “no out-of-pocket expenses” for childbirth and improve medical coverage for prenatal care.
The move comes as China faces a shrinking population. Its population fell for the first time in decades in 2022 and has continued to decline through 2024. Experts warn that the trend could continue, creating pressures on the workforce and local governments.
Declining birth rates in China are the result of several factors. The one-child policy, in place from 1980 to 2015, rapid urbanization, high costs of childcare and education, job insecurity, and economic slowdown have discouraged many couples from having children.
Some provinces, including Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong, have already introduced policies to make childbirth nearly free. In March, China announced additional measures for its elderly and young population, including free preschool education and childcare subsidies.
Authorities have also offered expanded maternity leave, financial incentives, tax benefits, and housing support to encourage families to grow. Analysts say full reimbursement for childbirth costs could remove a major financial barrier for couples considering having children.
This policy is part of China’s broader strategy to address demographic challenges. By making childbirth financially easier, authorities hope to increase birth rates, stabilize population growth, and reduce future social and economic pressures.
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The initiative highlights Beijing’s commitment to supporting young families and ensuring long-term economic and social stability in China.
