Population Change - Birth Policies

Population Change - Birth Policies

1. Pro-Natal

   • France
     • France currently has an ageing population, and so to combat this, the french government put a pro-natal population policy.
       • It suggests for couples to have 2 to 3 children rather than 1. This will increase the amount of economically active people in the long term. As for a short term solution, there is not one.
     • Benefits for parents
       • Three years of paid parental leave, which can be used by mothers or fathers.
       • Full time schooling starts at the age of three, fully paid by the government.
       • Day care for children younger than three is subsidised by the government .
       • The more children a women has, the earlier she will be allowed to retire on a full pension.

2. Anti-Natal

   • China
     • One-child policy
       • Start in 1979
       • Couples could only have one child.
       • Rules in 1979
         • Couples must not marry until their are in their late 20's
         • Couples must only have one successful pregnancy
         • Couples must be sterilised after the first child or must abort any future pregnancies
         • Would receive a 5 to 10 % salary increase, for limiting their family size.
         • Would have priority housing, pension and family benefits, including free education for the single child.
       • Penalties for breaking the rules
         • A 10% salary cut was enforced
         • The fine imposed on families was so large that it would often bankrupt many households.
         • Families would have to pay for the education and healthcare of all their children and themselves.
         • Second children born aboard are not counted, but they aren't classified as Chinese citizens.
       • Benefits
         • Prevented 400 Million Births in China.
       • Disadvantages
         • Made many families bankrupt
         • Created an ageing population, as the ratio of adults to elderly was low.
         • Put pressure on China's economy
         • Created a huge difference in the amount of male to females, due to selective abortion, roughly 24 million more males.