China introduces new measures to enhance birth support

China unveiled a series of new policies on Monday aimed at creating a more supportive environment for having and raising children in response to significant demographic challenges posed by an aging population.

A directive from the State Council outlines 13 targeted measures designed to enhance childbirth support services, expand childcare systems, strengthen support in education, housing and employment, and cultivate a birth-friendly social atmosphere.

Key provisions include extending the maternity insurance scheme to individuals in flexible employment and rural migrant workers who have already participated in the basic medical insurance scheme. This move aims to ensure that new parents feel more secure taking time off work, as local authorities are urged to enforce policies regarding maternity, paternity and childcare leave.

The initiative also includes improvements to the childbirth subsidy system and personal income tax relief related to childbirth. Notably, suitable labor pain relief and assisted reproductive technology services will be added to the list of medical services eligible for insurance reimbursement.

To address unintended pregnancies and improve care for early pregnancies and abortions, the country will enhance health education for adolescents.

Additionally, efforts will be made to improve the childcare service system, including the establishment and nurturing of more high-quality pediatric hospitals and pediatricians while promoting the expansion and equitable distribution of quality pediatric medical resources at the community level.

To improve access to childcare for children under three, the government plans to establish childcare service centers at the prefecture and city levels and integrate childcare facilities into the planning and construction of new communities. Local authorities are encouraged to raise the loan limits from the housing provident fund for families with multiple children to assist them in purchasing homes.

To create a supportive social atmosphere for marriage and childbirth, the document encourages local governments to actively provide specialized services such as marriage and family counseling and promote the reform of marriage customs. It also seeks to change traditional practices, such as extravagant wedding celebrations and high bride prices, to relieve the burden on males while fostering a positive marriage culture.

At the same time, it stresses the importance of leveraging community organizations, enterprises and individuals to jointly create a childbirth-friendly social environment.

As one of the world's most populous nations, China is grappling with the challenges posed by its 1.4 billion population, which is aging rapidly. Since 2022, the country has entered a phase of population decline, with individuals aged 65 and older now comprising over 14 percent of the population, indicating a moderately aged society.

Current data shows that nearly 300 million Chinese citizens are aged 60 or above, a figure projected to exceed 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by 2050. By that time, seniors are expected to represent nearly 35 percent of the nation's population.

In light of these demographic shifts, China has gradually relaxed its family planning policies over the past decade. In 2013, the government allowed couples to have a second child if either parent was an only child. This was followed in 2016 by a policy permitting married couples to have two children, effectively phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. In 2021, support was announced for couples wishing to have a third child.