Babies lie in cots at a maternity ward in Singapore March 29, 2007. The government has introduced tax rebates, baby bonuses and longer maternity leave in recent years to encourage women to have more children, in a bid to avoid a critical shortage and ensure economic survival. The number of babies born each year is well below the 2.1 per woman needed to replenish Singapore's population. In 2005, the rate fell to 1.25, compared with six in the late 1950s.
Should governments encourage people to have children?
Singapore is not an under-developed nation. If Singapore is anticipating vacancies (or a diminished tax base in the future) perhaps it might want to consider opening its borders to refugees from other nations? Iraqis, perhaps?
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