How to ensure fertility support policies yield desired results

The number and structure of people of marriageable age, including women of childbearing age, in China have undergone comprehensive changes. While an increasing number of people are choosing to remain single, many couples prefer getting married late and having just one child or no children at all.

In fact, the numbers of single and married women of childbearing age, including women in "ideal" fertility age, are shrinking. These developments have made the implementation of fertility support policies a big challenge.

Many young couples are reluctant to have children due to economic uncertainties. The industrial upgrading and economic transformation have resulted in structural unemployment among youths and created shock waves in the markets. The possibility of salary reduction and negative impact on career development is reducing young couples' urge to have children.