The Chinese capital, Beijing, is offering to pay Fertility treatments of its population, including in vitro fertilization. The move comes after China recorded its first population decline in more than 60 years.
according to Business interestedThe Beijing government announced this week that it will cover more than 10 fertility treatments for residents starting in July. In addition to in vitro fertilization, the program includes treatments such as embryo implantation and semen freezing and storage.
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The announcement comes as China, the world’s most populous country, faces its first population decline in six decades. Reuters reported that births in the country fell to a record low of 6.77 per 1,000 people in 2022. A declining population could mean that India will soon have the largest population in the world.
According to information from the United Nations, in 2022 China will reach a peak of 1.426 billion people. However, experts predict that the country’s population could drop below 1 billion by the year 2100 – which would entail many economic issues.
The change in the rules of fertility treatments in the country is very significant. Previously, national policy required that only married women could get treatments such as IVF and egg freezing. With this change, single women also have access to such options.
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