On March 27, 2026, co-organized by the Institute of Social Sciences of Jilin University, the Center for Northeast Asian Studies and the Institute of Population, Resources and Environmental Studies of the School of Northeast Asian Studies, the Jilin University Academic Lecture on Philosophy and Social Sciences themedAnalysis of Changes in Fertility Patterns of Women of Childbearing Age and Trends in Newborn Population Scale in Chinawas successfully held. Over 50 faculty and students from the School of Northeast Asian Studies and the Editorial Office ofPopulation Journalattended the lecture.
Hosted by Professor Yu Xiao, Deputy Director of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, Vice President of the China Population Association and President of the Jilin Population Association, the lecture featured Professor Zhang Xuying as the keynote speaker. Professor Zhang noted that low fertility rates, worsening population aging and slowing population growth have become universal structural challenges worldwide, with fertility levels below replacement level in most regions. China’s number of newborns has long fluctuated and declined, with the total fertility rate dropping to an ultra-low level. Multiple factors including universal higher education, urbanization, population mobility and inadequate public services have continuously suppressed the fertility willingness of women of childbearing age.
Professor Zhang put forward targeted policy proposals: conform to inherent fertility trends and improve supporting incentive policies; deliver precise support for key groups and strengthen maternal and child healthcare guarantees; boost research on reproductive medical technologies to assist older women in childbearing and stabilize the scale of newborn population.
Professor Yu Xiao concluded the lecture, affirming its forward-looking perspective and outstanding research value. Teachers and students exchanged views on low fertility rates and population research platforms during the Q&A session, and the lecture drew to a close amid a vibrant academic atmosphere.
