Childbirth expenses in China will be covered by the state from 2026

The Chinese government plans to fully cover all medical expenses related to childbirth from 2026. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This measure is being adopted to encourage young families to have children and to prevent the demographic decline observed in the country. This was stated by the National Health Security Administration.

According to the new regulation, all medical services related to the childbirth process, including prenatal examinations, diagnostics, and other check-ups, will be fully covered by the state. In this way, it is intended to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure a "pocket-free childbirth" system.

This decision is part of a broad policy aimed at stopping the population decline in China and ensuring demographic stability. According to statistical data, China's population decreased for the first time in 2022, and this trend has continued in subsequent years.

Experts believe that due to the low birth rate, the population may continue to decline. This will negatively affect the economy through a reduction in the workforce and an increase in the proportion of the elderly generation.

The decline in birth rates has been caused by factors such as the long-standing "one-child policy," urbanization processes, high costs of education and child care, and the slowdown in economic growth. Among young people, delaying marriage and having children is widespread.

In some provinces, including Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong, the practice of making childbirth almost free has already been implemented. At the same time, the central government plans additional measures such as providing subsidies for child care, reducing or eliminating preschool education fees, extending maternity leave, as well as offering tax and housing benefits.

The main goal of this policy is to encourage families to have more children and to restore demographic balance.