The state-supported Chinese newspaper "Daily Economic News" reported that several hospitals in China have stopped providing maternity services this year, with experts warning of a "lack of obstetric services" due to decreased demand amidst a record decline in new births. According to notices reviewed by Reuters, hospitals in different provinces, including Zhejiang in the east and Jiangxi in the south, announced the closure of their maternity departments in the past two months.
Guangzhou Fifth People's Hospital in Jiangxi stated on its official WeChat account that it suspended maternity services starting March 11. Jiangshan Traditional Medicine Hospital in Zhejiang announced on its WeChat page that its maternity services ceased from February 1.
This comes as Chinese policymakers struggle to enhance young couples' willingness to have children, while the country faces a growing demographic issue in a society that is rapidly aging. China's population declined for the second consecutive year in 2023, as a historically low birth rate and increased deaths due to COVID-19 accelerated a decline that officials fear could have profound long-term effects on economic growth potential.
The latest available data from the National Health Commission indicated that the number of maternity hospitals decreased to 793 in 2021, down from 807 in 2020. Authorities are seeking to implement incentive measures and policies to increase the birth rate, including extending parental leave and expanding financial and tax benefits for having children, as well as supporting housing.
