China to Expand Epidural Access Nationwide to Improve Birth Experience and Boost Fertility

In a major push to improve maternal care and encourage childbirth, China’s National Health Commission has announced that all tertiary hospitals must provide epidural anesthesia for childbirth by the end of 2025, with secondary hospitals expected to follow by 2027. This nationwide policy aims to make labor less painful and reduce the anxiety many women face about natural childbirth.

Currently, only about 30% of women in China use epidurals during labor, compared to over 70% in some developed countries. By expanding access to pain relief options, the government hopes to create a more supportive and humane environment for childbirth, ultimately addressing declining birth rates.

In addition, several regions are beginning to include epidural services in health insurance coverage, further lowering the cost burden on families. Hospitals already offering epidurals report increased patient satisfaction and improved outcomes in both vaginal and emergency cesarean births.

This move complements broader family support initiatives, including extended maternity leave and financial incentives for families with multiple children.

 Why It’s a Hot Topic:

• Pain-free childbirth: Making childbirth less traumatic is seen as a key step in improving women’s willingness to give birth.

• Fertility policy shift: This is one of several structural measures aimed at reversing China’s record-low birth rates.

• Healthcare equity: Promoting epidurals in public hospitals will help bridge the urban-rural gap in maternal healthcare access.