China has introduced a series of 13 new policies aimed at creating a more supportive environment for having and raising children, addressing significant demographic challenges posed by its aging population.
A directive from the State Council outlines targeted measures 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 already participating in the basic medical insurance scheme. This initiative ensures that new parents feel more secure taking time off work, with local authorities urged to enforce policies regarding maternity, paternity, and childcare leave.
The policies also improve the childbirth subsidy system and offer personal income tax relief related to childbirth. Additionally, 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, China will enhance health education for adolescents.
Efforts to improve the childcare service system include establishing more high-quality pediatric hospitals and pediatricians, promoting the expansion and equitable distribution of quality pediatric medical resources at the community level.
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 to improve access for children under three. Local authorities are encouraged to raise loan limits from the housing provident fund for families with multiple children to assist them in purchasing homes.
To foster a supportive social atmosphere for marriage and childbirth, local governments are encouraged to provide specialized services such as marriage and family counseling and promote the reform of marriage customs. The policies seek 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.
The initiative also emphasizes leveraging community organizations, enterprises, and individuals to create a childbirth-friendly social environment.
As one of the world's most populous nations, China faces challenges from its rapidly aging population. Since 2022, the country has experienced population decline, with individuals aged 65 and older now comprising over 14 percent of the population. Current data shows that nearly 300 million Chinese residents are aged 60 or above, a figure projected to exceed 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by 2050, with seniors expected to represent nearly 35 percent of the population by then.
In response to 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.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
