JUST IN: China introduces pain-free childbirth to boost population

In a bold bid to stop its rapidly falling birth rate, China has ordered all top-tier hospitals to provide epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by the end of 2025.

The mandate, issued by the National Health Commission (NHC), will require every tertiary-level hospital—with over 500 beds—to offer pain relief during labour as part of standard maternity services.

Secondary-level hospitals—with 100 beds or more—must comply by 2027.

This sweeping policy marks a critical shift in China’s reproductive strategy as the country faces an unprecedented demographic crisis.

The directive is part of a broader push to create what officials describe as a “childbearing-friendly society” and improve conditions for women.

China’s fertility rate is now among the lowest in the world.

The population has declined for three straight years, with just 9.02 million births recorded in 2023, down from over 15 million in 2015.

Experts warn the decline could undermine national productivity and economic stability within two decades.

According to the NHC, the mandatory epidural policy is intended to make childbirth less painful, less traumatic, and more medically secure.

The policy also aims to challenge outdated cultural beliefs that discourage pain management during labour.

Currently, only about 30% of women in China use epidural anaesthesia during childbirth, compared to over 70% in countries like the United States, France, and Canada.

In some rural areas and smaller hospitals in China, access to pain relief is almost non-existent.

The World Health Organisation recommends that healthy pregnant women who request pain relief should have access to epidural anaesthesia, which is considered both safe and effective when administered correctly.

“This measure will raise the quality and comfort of maternal care,” the NHC said in its official statement.

“It will help promote a supportive childbearing environment, contributing to national birth policy goals.”

China’s government has struggled to reverse the declining birth trend since abandoning its infamous one-child policy in 2016.

Subsequent incentives, such as cash bonuses, relaxed family size limits, and extended maternity leave, have had little impact.

Social and economic factors—including high living costs, job insecurity, limited childcare, and unequal parenting expectations—have discouraged many couples from starting families.

Surveys reveal that many young Chinese women fear childbirth, citing the pain, pressure, and lack of medical support in public hospitals.

Many women report being denied pain relief during labour unless they pay extra or have personal connections with hospital staff.

Some describe being shamed by nurses or relatives for wanting pain medication, due to cultural beliefs that childbirth should be endured without assistance.

In response to growing public pressure, several Chinese provinces have begun including epidural costs in public health insurance coverage.

In June, Sichuan province proposed new family support policies, including 25 days of marriage leave and 150 days of maternity leave.

Other regions are experimenting with baby bonuses, monthly child subsidies, and free milk supplies for new mothers.

Despite these efforts, analysts say that China must go beyond surface-level reforms.

They argue that unless deeper structural issues—such as gender inequality, housing unaffordability, and lack of work-life balance—are addressed, birth rates will continue to fall.

Feminist groups say the epidural policy is a good step but should be paired with strict oversight to ensure actual implementation in rural hospitals.

Some medical experts also warn of a shortage of trained anaesthesiologists and infrastructure needed to safely administer epidurals in many public hospitals.

Authorities claim that training and recruitment will be expanded in coming months to meet the new mandate.

Beijing insists it will continue adjusting health and family policies to encourage more couples to have children.

For now, pain-free childbirth is being used as the latest tool in China’s desperate battle to save its population from long-term decline.

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