China's Initiative to Expand Epidural Anaesthesia Services for Childbirth: A Step Towards a Fertility-Friendly Society
China has announced that all tertiary level hospitals must offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by the end of this year to create a more supportive environment for women giving birth. Tertiary hospitals with over 500 beds are required to provide epidural services by 2025, while secondary hospitals with more than 100 beds must do so by 2027. This initiative aims to address the declining birth rates in China, with only 30% of pregnant women currently receiving anaesthesia during childbirth, compared to over 70% in some developed countries.
The World Health Organization recommends epidurals for pregnant women seeking pain relief during childbirth, a practice widely adopted in countries like France, the United States, and Canada. By expanding access to epidural anaesthesia, China's National Health Commission believes that it will enhance the comfort and safety of medical services, contributing to a more positive childbearing experience for women. Additionally, several provinces in China are incorporating childbirth anaesthesia costs into their medical insurance plans to encourage more women to consider having children.
Factors such as high childcare expenses, job insecurity, and economic challenges have deterred many young Chinese individuals from getting married and starting families. To address this issue, health authorities in Sichuan province have proposed extending marriage leave to 25 days and maternity leave to 150 days to create a more supportive environment for families. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a "fertility-friendly society" in China, aiming to reverse the declining birth rates and promote a more positive outlook on childbearing.