China's 'condom tax' aims to boost births, sparks health risk fears

• China will impose a 13% value-added tax on contraceptive drugs and products, including condoms, starting January 1.
• The new tax aims to encourage higher birth rates, a reversal of China's previous population control policies.
• Experts warn the tax could increase unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and abortions due to higher contraceptive costs.
• The policy has drawn skepticism and ridicule on Chinese social media, with many questioning its effectiveness in boosting births.
• China's birth rate has declined significantly, with deaths now outpacing births, leading to India becoming the world's most populous country.

Why It Matters: China's contraceptive tax threatens public health and reproductive freedom.