Japan eyes 2027 start for childbirth coverage to encourage bigger families

• Japan's health ministry is discussing covering childbirth costs.
• The coverage is planned to start in the second half of fiscal 2027.
• The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and encourage larger families.

Japan's health ministry has begun discussions on a new benefit aimed at covering childbirth costs, with the goal of easing the financial strain on parents. The initiative is slated to begin in the latter half of fiscal year 2027. This move is part of a broader national effort to address Japan's long-standing declining birthrate, which has persisted for over half a century. The country's current fertility rate of 1.26 is significantly below the replacement level of 2.07 needed to maintain a stable population. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has prioritized boosting the fertility rate by increasing government support for families facing the financial challenges associated with childbirth and infertility.