Photo by Viridiana Rivera on Pexels.com
The Japanese government approved bills on Friday that would make public health insurance cover all childbirth costs.
The legislation also proposes a program requiring patients to pay extra for prescription medicines with ingredients or effects similar to over-the-counter drugs.
Officials aim to have the bills passed by the Diet, Japan’s parliament, during the current session.
Currently, public health insurance only covers cesarean deliveries. The government instead provides a lump-sum childbirth allowance introduced in 1994.
The existing allowance is set at 500,000 yen, but authorities acknowledge it may not fully meet the costs of childbirth.
Under the proposed reforms, a nationwide standard price for childbirth will be established, and insurance will cover the full amount.
The measure is part of broader efforts to address Japan’s declining birthrate and support families across the country.