Government wants to raise birthrate on crowded island

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on March 13, 2006. It reports that the Ministry of the Interior recently announced amendments to Taiwan's population policy. All government agencies are now working together to alleviate what they see as the "problem" of a falling birthrate.

According to a recent report released by the Bureau of Health Promotion, the birthrate among Taiwanese women dropped to 1.12 per person in 2004. If births to foreign spouses are included, then the rate is 1.18 per person.

Official statistics also show that in 2005, 205,854 babies were born. This is in sharp contrast to the year 1981, when 414,069 births were recorded.

Taiwan is now the second most densely populated area on Earth. In recent decades, the nation has moved from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial-based one, which dramatically eases the pressure on families to have many children. However, the view of the government officials is that a declining birthrate leads to an aging society.

As the number of elderly retirees rises in relation to the number of young workers, it may pose an economic burden on society. The Ministry of the Interior launched a population policy plan in 2002. The focus of the plan is to improve childcare policies and facilities, and to better medical care and subsidies. In September 2005, the government further established a population policy committee to supervise the Ministry of the Interior over the amendment of population policies. The focus on the newly amended population policy will be on social welfare, population structure, sustainable development and immigration.

Meanwhile, some studies have shown that the rise of feminism is also considered as a crucial cause of declining birthrates in advanced countries. The growing participation of females in the workforce has led many women to delay or decide against having children. Furthermore, many women prefer to pursue higher education than getting married. Finally, greater female control over their own bodies combined with access to abortions and contraception also reduces birthrates.

This is why, according to officials, the government in Taiwan now focuses on promoting gender equality, childcare services and healthcare for women. For example, the Department of Health has been actively encouraging births and providing medical subsidies for children under three years old.