Facing a severe low birth rate crisis, China is launching a nationwide campaign to boost childbirth.
Local governments in China are taking proactive measures to encourage procreation. They are calling married women in their 20s and 30s to inquire about their pregnancy plans, offering financial support to parents, and promoting the idea of having more than two children.
The National Health Commission of China recommends that universities introduce courses on “Love and Marriage.” Meanwhile, state media regularly publishes reports highlighting the health benefits of childbirth for women.
Some regions have gone as far as promising incentives for families who have a second child.
A resident from Zhejiang Province revealed, “A government official stated that I could receive a subsidy of up to 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,000) for having a second child.”
China is facing a significant population decline, as the number of deaths has surpassed the number of births.
In an interview last month, economist Ren Zeping highlighted the critical challenges facing China’s population, which include an aging demographic, low birth rates, and declining marriage rates. He pointed out that the number of children is decreasing while the elderly population is increasing, emphasizing that the speed and scale of China’s aging process are unprecedented.
In October, China’s State Council announced plans to build a ‘childbirth-friendly society’ as part of an economic stimulus package, demonstrating the government’s commitment to boosting birth rates.
However, experts predict that official policies alone will struggle to convince the younger generation to start families.
Wang Feng, a demographics expert, told the Financial Times that the Chinese government’s efforts to promote childbirth have not been successful. He noted that young women are deterred by high living costs and significant career disadvantages if they leave their jobs to have children.
Wang noted that the Chinese government is struggling to convince the highly educated young generation of today to have children.
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