5 Creative Ways Countries Tried to Up Their Birth Rates

As we shared in our previous post the birth rate of many countries is decreasing - especially after the hit of the global economic crisis. Some countries have taken up the problem very seriously and launched creative campaigns to encourage their citizens to become parents.

If you don’t believe, check out the Danish campaign ‘Do It for Danemark’ created by a local company but still serving the idea of the public good of making more Danes.

SINGAPORE

The Singapore authorities decided in collaboration with the company Mentos to create a campaign called the “National Nights”. Aiming to push the people to patriotism in order to increase the birth rate of 0.78 per woman.

The City also took to problem to a higher level by attacking directly the urban development authorities to limit the number of small one-bedrooms flat. Not only that but a big Monterian compensation was unblocked in order to support the initiative and the couples willing to help their country. The package included 15.000$ for each child, tax incentives and extended maternity leave.

SOUTH KOREA

Due to the “small families program” that was developed in the 70’s, today the birth rate in South Korea has fallen to one of the lowest in the world. With the increase of the economic difficulties, the birth rate felt to 1.2 children per family.

✨ Trying to Conceive?

Our fertility supplements combine Myo-Inositol with essential vitamins to support healthy hormone balance and regular ovulation.

Shop Now — $36.00

✓ Free shipping available  |  ✓ Trusted by millions of couples worldwide

In order to encourage the South Korean to have more babies the government has promised to have lower university tuition fees and state-run child care.

Other incentives included giving away cash vouchers and other gifts to workers. In 2010 the ‘Family day’ was established which required all offices to close at 7 pm and in that way pushing people to spend more time with their families.

RUSSIA

The Russian population is decreasing very rapidly since the 90’s due to the high death rate and the low birth rate. That motivated the government to launch the ‘have a baby and win a Fridge’ campaign. September 12 was declared ‘the Day of Conception’ and all women that would give birth 9 months after would win a fridge, money or even cars for the national day which is on 12 June.

JAPAN

The population of Japan is on the way to “extinction” with less than 1.39 children per woman. A student of the university of Tsukuba invented a baby robot that is acting like a real baby. The aim of the robot is not to replace real babies but to trigger the parental instincts and push people to make their own babies.

ROMANIA

In the 60’s the population of Romania was approaching zero population growth, which was a real disaster for the Communist idea.

Sanctions were taken for people over 25 years old that were childless. Abortions and divorce where practically impossible, pregnancy test import was halted and some tax & monetary incentives were given. These Draconian measures did not hold on for long since economic compensation were barely enough to buy a bit of milk. The revolution ended it in 1989.

Whatever the situation your country is facing, if you are willing to help with the patriotic act, Conceive Plus is available all over the world through the amazing invention of internet. No excuses - we also give you a free delivery wherever you are in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UK birth rate declining like other countries?

Yes, the UK has experienced a steady decline in birth rates over recent decades, with the total fertility rate falling to around 1.49 children per woman in recent years. This is below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain population size naturally, though the decline has been less dramatic than in countries like South Korea or Singapore.

Does the UK government offer any financial incentives for having children?

Unlike some countries mentioned in this article, the UK doesn't offer direct cash bonuses for having babies. However, parents can access Child Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare, and up to 30 hours of free childcare for 3-4 year olds. Statutory Maternity Pay and Shared Parental Leave are also available to eligible parents.

Can I get fertility treatment on the NHS if I'm struggling to conceive?

Yes, fertility treatment is available on the NHS, though eligibility criteria vary significantly depending on your local Integrated Care Boa

How common are fertility problems in the UK?

According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 7 UK couples experience difficulty conceiving. This equates to around 3.5 million people across the country facing fertility challenges. If you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it's worth speaking to your GP about a referral for fertility investigations.

What are the NHS waiting times for fertility treatment?

NHS waiting times for fertility treatment vary considerably across the UK, with some areas having waits of 12 months or longer for initial consultations and IVF treatment. You can check your local ICB's policies and waiting times through your GP or the HFEA website, which provides information about fertility services in your area.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help boost fertility naturally?

The NHS recommends maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and taking folic acid supplements when trying to conceive. For women, the NICE guidelines suggest that a BMI between 19 and 30 can improve chances of conception, while men should avoid keeping laptops on their laps and wearing tight underwear to protect sperm quality.

Does the UK have any policies to help working parents balance family life?

The UK offers statutory maternity leave of up to 52 weeks, with Shared Parental Leave allowing parents to split time off between them. All employees also have the legal right to request flexible working arrangements. While these policies support families, critics argue the UK still lags behind some European countries in terms of parental support and affordable childcare options.