China will fully cover all out-of-pocket childbirth expenses nationwide by 2026, the National Healthcare Security Administration announced.
The policy aims to include prenatal checkups and other medical costs, ensuring parents face no direct expenses for childbirth. The initiative is part of broader efforts to incentivize young couples to have children amid declining birth rates and a shrinking population.
China’s population fell for the first time in decades in 2022, with numbers continuing to decline through 2024. Demographers predict the trend will persist, raising concerns about a shrinking workforce and growing elderly population, which could strain local government finances.
The country’s long-term one-child policy (1980–2015), rapid urbanization, high childcare and education costs, job uncertainty, and a slowing economy have all contributed to lower birth rates.
Some provinces, including Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong, have already introduced policies making childbirth nearly free. The national plan seeks to expand these measures nationwide by 2026.
Authorities stressed the need to improve coverage for prenatal examinations and childbirth-related medical services, aiming for a comprehensive system that reduces financial barriers for parents.
Earlier in 2025, China announced additional measures to support families, including childcare subsidies and free preschool education. Other incentives have included expanded maternity leave, financial and tax benefits, and housing support to encourage marriage and childbearing.
The government’s new nationwide policy is expected to relieve significant financial pressure on young families, helping to counter demographic decline and promote long-term population growth. By addressing both healthcare and broader socio-economic factors, China aims to create an environment more conducive to starting and raising families.
