Medical insurance to cover assisted fertility services

China will expand medical insurance coverage and encourage reimbursement for assisted fertility services as part of the nation's efforts to increase birthrates, the National Healthcare Insurance Administration said on Tuesday.

Maternity insurance is now part of China's basic employee insurance program that covers the medical bills of female workers during pregnancy and their salaries during maternity leave.

The program is aimed at reducing their financial burdens, sharing the labor costs of employers and promoting gender equality at workplaces.