Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

China Mandates Epidurals to Boost Birth Rates

6/10/2025

48 3

Summary

Story summary

China is taking a bold step to create a more supportive environment for families by requiring all tertiary hospitals to offer epidural anesthesia for childbirth by the end of 2023. This initiative, which will extend to secondary hospitals by 2027, seeks to combat declining birth rates and alleviate concerns over childcare costs and job stability, encouraging families to grow.

1 of 1

Story summary

China is taking a bold step to create a more supportive environment for families by requiring all tertiary hospitals to offer epidural anesthesia for childbirth by the end of 2023. This initiative, which will extend to secondary hospitals by 2027, seeks to combat declining birth rates and alleviate concerns over childcare costs and job stability, encouraging families to grow.