Lawmakers submitted the draft Childcare Services Law to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for an initial review
China is taking a more structured approach to its childcare challenges, submitting a draft law meant to overhaul how childcare services operate across the country. The move is part of an effort to address the nation’s shrinking population and ease the financial strain on young families.
On Monday, lawmakers sent the Childcare Services Law draft to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for its first review, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The legislation, comprising eight chapters and 76 articles, would establish a national legal framework for childcare institutions and caregivers, with a particular focus on children under the age of three.
A ‘fertility-friendly’ push
Official state media said that the bill is a cornerstone of China’s efforts to create a more fertility-friendly society, reflecting the broader concern over a
demographic downturn that could slow economic growth. According to reports, the draft aims to standardise services, improve quality and reduce the cost of early childcare, all seen as obstacles that deter couples from expanding their families.
“The aim is to provide solid legal protection for the youngest and most vulnerable children,” said one official commentary on the draft.
The legislation also tackles long-standing complaints about the childcare sector, including uneven quality, staff shortages and weak oversight, which have frustrated parents and limited access to reliable care.
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Experts say law is a start, not a solution
Demographers and policy analysts have welcomed the initiative but warned that lawmaking is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.
He Yafu, an independent demographer based in Guangdong, told the SCMP that high childcare costs and limited availability remain a major worry for dual-income families, and expanding access to affordable, inclusive childcare services could help ease this anxiety and boost fertility intentions.”
However, he cautioned that simply passing a law isn’t enough. He argued that additional incentives—such as cash subsidies, tax breaks and extended parental leave—are also essential if China really wants to reverse its falling birth rate.
China’s population has now declined for several consecutive years, leading authorities to experiment with a mix of policies aimed at encouraging births, from childcare support and tax incentives to subsidies for fertility treatments. Yet experts say that without substantial relief for everyday costs associated with raising children, many couples will remain reluctant to have more.
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