Beijing – In a landmark move aimed at encouraging population growth, China has announced that it will ensure no out-of-pocket expenses for childbirth across the country starting in 2026, a policy designed to alleviate the financial burden on families amid declining birth rates. The decision underscores Beijing’s growing concern over demographic challenges and its efforts to make parenthood more affordable for young couples.
Under the new plan, the government will expand its healthcare and maternity insurance coverage so that all policy-approved childbirth-related medical costs, including prenatal checkups, delivery fees, and maternity care services, will be fully reimbursed. Officials emphasised that the goal is to eliminate the financial barriers that discourage couples from having children, making childbirth more accessible to families across urban and rural China.
The nationwide rollout builds on pilot programs in provinces such as Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong, where maternity insurance already covers the full cost of childbirth. The expansion will extend benefits to flexible workers, migrant laborers, and those in emerging forms of employment, addressing long-standing gaps in coverage for groups historically underserved by social insurance schemes.
China has faced a shrinking population since 2022, a trend linked to decades of low fertility rates following the one-child policy, rising urban living costs, and economic uncertainty among younger generations. Policymakers have pointed to the high cost of childbirth and childcare as one of the main obstacles to family growth. The new initiative forms part of a broader set of pro-natal measures, including increased childcare subsidies and direct maternity allowances in several provinces.
Experts note that while eliminating out-of-pocket childbirth expenses is a significant step, it addresses only one aspect of a broader socioeconomic challenge. Issues such as housing affordability, education costs, and employment pressures continue to influence family planning decisions. Nonetheless, the move is being hailed as a strong signal of the government’s commitment to supporting families and encouraging population growth in the coming decade.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.