China launches survey to address declining birthrate, childbearing fears

China's National Health Commission (NHC) has initiated a comprehensive survey involving 30,000 participants to explore attitudes toward childbearing and the "fear surrounding having children."

This effort comes as authorities grapple with a declining birthrate, having recorded a second consecutive year of population decline in 2023, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The survey will encompass individuals from 150 counties and 1,500 communities across the country, citing the China Population and Development Research Center under the NHC.

As part of its strategy to encourage young couples to consider parenthood, the survey aims to analyze the factors contributing to reluctance and fear around childbearing. The findings are intended to inform fertility support measures and incentives.

This initiative follows a nationwide family and fertility survey conducted in 2021. Additionally, the National Bureau of Statistics announced plans for a nationwide sample survey from October 10 to November 30 to monitor population changes.

Chinese health officials have emphasized the importance of promoting marriage and childbirth at "appropriate ages," advocating for shared parenting responsibilities to foster positive views on family life among younger generations.

By Vafa Guliyeva