Health authorities in southwestern Sichuan province are proposing to extend marriage leave up to 25 days and maternity leave up to 150 days to help create a "fertility-friendly society" that boosts the country's population.

Sichuan's Health Commission, which published the draft on its website, is seeking public opinion and comments from May 30 to June 30.

The province has a population of 84 million, more than most countries including Germany and the United Kingdom.

The proposal would extend marriage leave by 400 percent from the five days currently given and more than double the existing 60-day maternity leave period.

Sichuan also plans to extend paternity leave to 30 days from 20 days to "facilitate the care of men for their wives after childbirth and help advocate that couples share the responsibility of raising children", authorities said.

The province has emerged as one of the more progressive in China. It has allowed unmarried women to access IVF treatment and in 2023 authorities there announced that unmarried individuals would be eligible for benefits reserved for married couples. (Reuters)