China's New Contraception Tax: Risks of Rising STDs and Unplanned Pregnancies Amid Population Growth Efforts

Dec 12, 2025 12:16 pm CST

China will implement a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives starting January 1, reversing decades of tax exemption in an effort to boost declining birth rates. Health experts warn this policy could lead to increased unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, particularly among economically vulnerable populations, as China grapples with its demographic crisis after years of restrictive family planning.