China mandates epidurals in major hospitals amid declining birth rates

China has mandated all tertiary-level hospitals across the country to offer epidural anaesthesia during delivery by the end of 2025, the National Health Commission (NHC) said.

The move is part of broader efforts to promote a ‘fertility-friendly society’ amid ongoing demographic challenges. China’s population has declined for a third straight year in 2024, raising alarm over the long-term economic and social implications.

Under the new guidelines, tertiary hospitals, those with more than 500 beds, must make epidural anaesthesia available by the end of 2025, while secondary-level hospitals (with over 100 beds) have until 2027 to comply.

Also Read | ‘One mutation away’: Scientists warn new bat virus could become human threat

Currently, only around 30% of pregnant women in China receive epidurals during childbirth, a figure significantly lower than in many developed countries, where uptake exceeds 70%, according to China Daily.

The World Health Organisation recommends epidurals for healthy pregnant women requesting pain relief, and they are widely utilised in many countries around the world, including France, where around 82% of pregnant women opt to have one, and in the United States and Canada, where more than 67% do.

The NHC said the measure aims to “enhance the comfort and safety of childbirth services” and to “improve women’s childbirth experience and sense of happiness.”

Additionally, several provinces have started including epidural costs in health insurance coverage to ease financial barriers and encourage more women to consider parenthood.

In another move to boost fertility, Sichuan province recently proposed increasing marriage leave to 25 days and maternity leave to 150 days.

Authorities hope that such measures will reverse the nation’s declining birth trend and foster a more supportive environment for families.