In recent years, China's fertility policy has undergone major adjustments, from the "two-child policy" to the "three-child policy", which attempts to alleviate the problem of population aging by relaxing birth restrictions and encouraging young people to have children. However, can open childbearing allow young people to have babies, or is it too naïve? This article will delve into this issue.
We need to be clear about the fact that our fertility rate has been declining for many years in a row. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's total fertility rate increased from 179 fell to 1 in 201933。This means that the average number of children per woman is decreasing. The reasons behind this trend are manifold, including economic development, increased educational attainment, and increased female employment rates. Therefore, simply relaxing birth restrictions will not immediately solve the problem of declining fertility.
We need to recognize that the shift in conception of fertility is a long-term process. In the past few decades, China has experienced the strict implementation of the family planning policy, and the concept of childbearing of the younger generation has undergone great changes. Many young people are paying more attention to personal development and quality of life, and no longer regard childbearing as a necessary part of life. Therefore, even if the policy allows them to have more children, they may choose not to have children or have children later for a variety of reasons.
The rising cost of childbirth is also a problem that cannot be ignored. With the economy developing and living standards improving, the cost of raising children is also increasing. From pregnancy care and childbirth costs to education, medical care, interest classes, etc., a lot of financial investment is required. For many young families, the high cost of childbearing is a barrier to having children.
In fact, some countries and regions have tried to increase fertility by relaxing fertility policies, but the results are not ideal. For example, Japan and South Korea have both eased birth restrictions, but fertility rates continue to decline. This suggests that open fertility is not the solution to the problem of low fertility
How can we increase the fertility of the younger generation? First of all, it is necessary to reduce the financial burden on families by improving the social security system. For example, providing birth subsidies, expanding public early childhood education resources, and reducing medical costs can all reduce the cost of childbirth and increase young people's willingness to have children.
Society needs to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This includes improving the status and rights of women in the workplace, encouraging companies to offer more flexible working systems, and protecting the rights and interests of mothers and children. Let's pay attention to the changes in fertility policy, how to solve the problem of low fertility and create a better fertility environment for the younger generation.