China will eliminate out-of-pocket medical expenses related to childbirth nationwide from 2026, the National Healthcare Security Administration announced, as authorities intensify efforts to counter the country’s declining birth rate, reports Reuters.
Under the plan, all policy-covered medical costs linked to childbirth — including prenatal examinations — will be fully reimbursed. The administration said the goal is to raise coverage levels so families face “no out-of-pocket expenses” when having a child.
The measure comes amid mounting demographic pressures. China’s population began shrinking in 2022 and continued to decline through 2024, driven by persistently low fertility rates. Demographers warn the trend could deepen labour shortages and strain local governments coping with rising elderly care costs.
Falling birth rates have been linked to decades of restrictive family planning under the former one-child policy, rapid urbanisation, high housing prices and the rising cost of childcare and education. Economic uncertainty has further discouraged many young people from marriage and parenthood.
Several provinces, including Jilin, Jiangsu and Shandong, have already introduced policies making childbirth nearly free. In March, Beijing pledged to expand childcare subsidies, move toward free preschool education and improve support for families as part of a broader demographic strategy.
Authorities have also rolled out longer maternity leave, tax incentives and housing benefits in recent years, aiming to reduce the financial burden of raising children and encourage couples to start families.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
