Amid concerns about the nation's declining birth rate, officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) announced amendments to its population policy last week, and officials said all government agencies were working together to alleviate the problem.
The birth rate among Taiwanese women dropped to 1.12 per person in 2004, according to a report released by the Bureau of Health Promotion two weeks ago. If births to foreign spouses are included, the rate is 1.18 per person.
According to ministry figures, 205,854 babies were born last year, a striking contrast to 1981, when 414,069 births were recorded.
Ministry officials said that a declining birth rate creates an aging society, and this may pose an economic burden on society, as the number of elderly retirees rises in relation to the number of young workers.
The ministry launched its population policy plan four years ago, focusing on improving child-care policies and facilities, as well as better medical care and subsidies.
Last September, the Cabinet established a population policy committee, which charged the minister of the interior with amending the population policy proposal.
Officials said the emphasis of the newly amended policy will be on social welfare, population structure, sustainable development and immigration.
Studies have shown that the rise of feminism is also seen as a crucial cause of declining birth rates.
The growing participation of females in the workforce has led many women to delay or decide against having children -- or to not have as many. A longer pursuit of education also delays marriages.
Greater female control over their own bodies combined with access to abortions and contraception also reduces rates.
Therefore, officials said that gender equality, child-care services and healthcare for women will be another focus.
Measures that have been implemented already include the Department of Health's encouragement of births and medical subsidies from the ministry for children under three years old, officials said.
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