Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Japan Eliminates Childbirth Costs to Combat Birth Rate Crisis

5/16/2025

37 6

Summary

Story summary

Japan's health ministry is taking bold steps to address its declining birth rate by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for childbirth by April 2024. An expert panel has recommended including normal deliveries in public insurance, as current subsidies are inadequate. With childbirth costs averaging ¥518,000 and births plummeting to a record low of 720,988, the urgency for action is clear.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japan's health ministry is taking bold steps to address its declining birth rate by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for childbirth by April 2024. An expert panel has recommended including normal deliveries in public insurance, as current subsidies are inadequate. With childbirth costs averaging ¥518,000 and births plummeting to a record low of 720,988, the urgency for action is clear.