China‘s National Health Commission has announced a groundbreaking move to make epidural anesthesia services widely available in hospitals across the country. By the end of this year, all tertiary-level hospitals with more than 500 beds will be required to offer epidural anesthesia during childbirth.
Secondary hospitals with over 100 beds will follow suit by 2027. This initiative aims to promote a “friendly childbearing environment” for women and improve the overall comfort and security of medical services.
The move is part of a broader effort to address China’s declining birth rates, which have been a concern for the world’s second-largest economy. China’s population fell for the third consecutive year in 2024, with experts warning that the downturn will worsen in the coming years. Currently, only around 30% of pregnant women in China receive anesthesia to relieve pain during childbirth, compared to over 70% in some developed countries.
The World Health Organization recommends epidurals for healthy pregnant women requesting pain relief, and they are widely used in many countries. For instance, in France, around 82% of pregnant women opt for epidurals, while in the United States and Canada, the figure is over 67%. By making epidurals more accessible, China hopes to encourage more women to have children.
To further support this goal, a growing number of provinces in China are including childbirth anesthesia costs in their medical insurance schemes.
Some provinces, like Sichuan, are also proposing extended marriage leave and maternity leave to create a “fertility-friendly society.” The National Health Commission believes that these measures will “improve the comfort level and security of medical services” and “further enhance people’s sense of happiness and promote a friendly childbearing environment”.
High childcare costs, job uncertainty, and a slowing economy have discouraged many young Chinese from getting married and starting a family. By providing better support systems and healthcare services, China aims to reverse this trend and boost its birth rates.