Program to add benefits and set uniform price paid directly to health care providers
Japan hopes to reduce the financial burden on expectant mothers by making childbirth effectively free of charge. (Photo by Juntaro Arai)
MIKI NOSE and JUNTARO ARAI
October 16, 2026 06:37 JST
TOKYO -- Japan's health ministry has begun discussing the details of a new benefit that will cover the costs of childbirth to ease the financial burden on parents, starting as soon as the second half of fiscal 2027.