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SINGAPORE:A ProNatal Policy Learning Objectives: 1. To have a case study of a pro-natal policy Singapore

THE PROBLEM IN SINGAPORE In 1990 the fertility rate (average number of children born to each woman of child-bearing age) was in 1.87, from 2002-2006 it lowered down to 1.37 and last year it was only 1.28, being the 3rd lowest country in the world

Background In the early 1960’s Singapore’s population grew rapidly. In average, every family had 4 or 5 children, to which followed many years of unemployment, insufficient housing and inadequate educational and healthcare facilities. Therefore the government decided to implement a large family planning campaign which included the 2 child policy.

The policy worked out perfectly and a rapid economic growth was seen in the 1970’s as well as many changes: More people were educated More women joined the workforce Family’s incomes rose Family’s sizes decreased People’s attitude towards marriage and parenthood changed Now families had from 1 to 2 children Late marriages More single people Higher cost of living

Singapore’s Pro Natal Policy Paid maternity leave extended from 2 months to 3 (3rd month is government paid) Employees with children below 7 years old are entitled to 2 days of child care leave. Parents will receive $3000 in cash for their 1st child and co-savings up to $9000 for the 2nd child and up to $18 000 for the 3rd child and up. Centre-based infant care subsidy increased Parents are given tax-rebates

Failure linked to: high levels of stress Availability of birth control methods due to successful family planning programmes Reduced desires for children Women putting their careers before their motherhoods High cost of living and raising children Economic downturn in South East Asia Lack of time to take care of children No sex and the city

HOW DID THE GOVERNMENT RESPOND?

“We have to change people’s minds, so they think of making babies as something that’s happy.”-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

sex counsellors advice, fertility seminars, aphrodisiacs This committee’s have come out with many ideas, but they are mainly working on a “Romantic Campaign” through date guidebooks (“When boy meets girl! The chemistry guide”), love festivals which have a love boat river race, tango parties, spa packages, weekend getaways, sex counsellors advice, fertility seminars, aphrodisiacs three-course “love meal” in Pizza Hut with a heart-shaped pizza.