TAIPEI (TVBS News) — According to the Ministry of the Interior, 138,000 newborns were recorded in 2022, setting a record-low number. It is the third consecutive year that the number of births is lower than the number of deaths in Taiwan.
Against this backdrop, local governments have launched incentives to encourage childbirth. Take Taipei, for example. The city government plans to raise the firstborn subsidy from NT＄20,000 to NT＄40,000.
However, the cost of raising a child is not the only concern. Suitable education and childcare are significant factors to be considered, too.
Currently, over 70% of nannies in Taipei are over 55 years old. In ten years, there will be a need for more qualified caretakers once they reach the retirement age of 65.
"The idea of a family for the new generation is, during the day, I can work with my partner to make money, and after getting off work, they can share childcare and housework responsibilities," said Huang Chiao-ling, spokesperson of the Childcare Policy Alliance.
"One of the most important things is to have a great teammate," he added. "This great teammate includes the spouse and, more importantly, the government plays a role."
"The government's one-time maternity allowance can ease the temporary financial burden, but it cannot provide long-term, uninterrupted public childcare services that support the needs of double-income families with children," he continued.
Suitable daycare centers, a child-friendly workplace, or flexible working hours are all options to help young couples feel at ease when starting a family.
As multiple factors contribute to the current low birthrate, the government must propose solutions for the modern couple to solve this growing issue.
