Japan eyes 2027 start for childbirth coverage meant to encourage bigger families

What happened: Japan's health ministry has begun discussing details of a new benefit to cover childbirth costs, aiming to start as soon as the second half of fiscal 2027. Key numbers: Start targeted for the second half of fiscal 2027. Why it matters: The program is meant to ease the financial burden on parents and make childbirth effectively free of charge, with benefits paid directly to health care providers at a uniform price.

Japan's health ministry has begun discussing details of a new benefit to cover childbirth costs, aiming to start as soon as the second half of fiscal 2027.

The program is meant to ease the financial burden on parents and make childbirth effectively free of charge, with benefits paid directly to health care providers at a uniform price.