From maternity leave to parental leave, the central government's new policy has shaped the childbirth support system

It has been several years since the announcement of the three-child policy, but the birth rate has not shown a significant rebound. Many people admit that the root of the problem is not the policy itself, but the lack of concrete implementation measures. Only recently did the central government finally introduce a series of tangible support policies, especially measures such as maternity checkup leave, birth subsidies, and parenting allowances, which are now addressing multiple aspects including childbirth, parenting, education, and housing, truly alleviating families’ concerns. This round of new policies is no longer just slogans but backed by specific actions, thus gaining widespread recognition from young, middle-aged, and elderly people.

Why has the three-child policy been ineffective despite years of promotion?

When the three-child policy was first introduced, the main focus was on relaxing birth restrictions. However, in practice, the actual difficulties faced by families were overlooked. From pregnancy checkups to raising children into adulthood, expenses for formula, diapers, education, and housing are all substantial. The policy only lifted restrictions but did not provide substantial financial support. As a result, even though legally allowed to have three children, many families are deterred by economic realities.

Young couples find that the costs of raising a child from birth to adulthood often exceed their financial capacity. This anxiety continues to suppress fertility intentions. Merely promoting policies is far from enough; real financial support is needed to give families the courage to welcome new life.

Improved maternity checkup leave, birth subsidies, and reimbursement policies have comprehensively upgraded birth security

The new policies have reformed various aspects of childbirth support. First, maternity checkup leave has been clearly defined and promoted. Couples can enjoy dedicated leave for prenatal examinations during pregnancy, reducing additional family expenses and, more importantly, giving expectant parents time and energy to prepare thoroughly for childbirth. This seemingly simple change addresses the practical difficulty of balancing work and pregnancy checkups.

The scope of maternity insurance coverage has also expanded. Previously excluded groups such as flexible employment workers and migrant workers are now included. Unemployed individuals also have basic coverage for maternity medical expenses. Reimbursement rates for prenatal checkup costs have increased, and the cap has been raised. Some regions even enable real-time settlement of prenatal checkup expenses, eliminating the cumbersome process of advance payments and itemized reimbursements.

Additionally, for infants under three years old who meet policy criteria, birth allowances can be received annually. Although the amount is not large, it signifies the country’s tangible support for new families, making young parents feel the warmth of policy.

Childcare services, parental leave, and tax benefits effectively reduce parenting costs

Parenting is the key to the successful implementation of the three-child policy. The government has increased investment in accessible childcare services, encouraging enterprises and communities to participate in building childcare facilities, increasing the number of available spots and making prices more affordable. This directly solves many families’ problem of “no one to care for the children,” especially benefiting dual-income families by providing more flexibility.

The implementation of parental leave is another major progress. Both parents can enjoy a certain number of days of parental leave each year before their children turn three, with mandatory enforcement to ensure parents have enough time to accompany their children’s growth and reduce the burden on grandparents. This system not only protects children’s development environment but also safeguards the legal rights of working mothers.

Tax benefits are also significant. Expenses for caring for children under three can be deducted from individual income tax as special additional deductions, reducing families’ tax burdens. Although the single deduction amount is modest, over the course of a year, it substantially alleviates the overall tax pressure on families with multiple children.

Universal preschool, implementation of the “double reduction” policy, and after-school care show tangible results in reducing educational burdens

Educational reforms have also brought about notable changes. The coverage of affordable kindergartens is increasing, and the management of supporting kindergartens in urban communities is advancing, enabling more children to access high-quality, affordable early childhood education. This lowers early educational investment for ordinary families.

During compulsory education, efforts are underway to balance the distribution of quality educational resources, aiming to resolve the “school choice” phenomenon and ensure children have access to quality education fairly. The continued implementation of the “double reduction” policy further reduces students’ homework burdens and family education expenses. Strict regulation of off-campus training institutions means families no longer need to spend excessive money on extracurricular tutoring.

School-based after-school care services are scheduled to align with parents’ working hours, eliminating worries about pick-up and drop-off and reducing additional childcare costs. These detailed measures reflect policymakers’ deep understanding of modern family realities.

Public rental housing favors multi-child families, and housing loan limits are increased

Housing, as the largest family expense, has also received attention in the new policies. When allocating public rental housing, the government adjusts unit types based on the number of minors in the family, providing preferential treatment to multi-child families. Some regions have introduced housing purchase discounts and increased the maximum quota for housing provident fund loans for such families, enabling larger living spaces and easing housing pressure.

Can policies like maternity leave reverse the declining birth rate?

This comprehensive reform is noteworthy for its systemic approach. Unlike previous scattered policies, the new measures encompass childbirth, parenting, education, and housing, forming a coordinated support system. From maternity leave to parental leave, from birth subsidies to childcare assistance, and from educational burden reduction to housing security, policies are working to eliminate barriers at every stage that hinder fertility.

These measures have been widely welcomed. Not only do young parents breathe a sigh of relief, but middle-aged grandparents also benefit from reduced caregiving pressure, and children enjoy better growth environments under reduced burdens and quality education. The benefits extend across three generations, reflecting the meticulous design of the policies.

According to the plan, by 2025, a proactive fertility support system will be established, significantly reducing the costs of childbirth, parenting, and education. Today, society increasingly feels the strengthening support for fertility, and a fertility-friendly environment is gradually taking shape. The various factors that previously constrained fertility are being addressed one by one, boosting families’ confidence in having more children.

From “dare not to have children” and “cannot afford to have children” to “with national support, willing to consider having multiple children,” this shift reflects the transition from slogans to concrete actions. The central government’s resolve is clear: not only introducing specific measures like maternity leave but also simultaneously advancing efforts in childbirth, parenting, education, and housing. Such systemic support is the true way to address family concerns and lay a foundation for long-term population development and social prosperity.