What would it take for us to have children?
AS birth rates fall and populations age, governments around the world are increasingly looking for ways to encourage women to have children. These incentives can include cash bonuses at birth, monthly child allowances, tax breaks, free or affordable childcare, and extended maternity and paternity leave.
While no amount of money can make the decision to become a parent easy, many countries are investing heavily in helping families manage the growing cost of raising children. Singapore, for example, has one of the most extensive family support packages in the world. In 2026, the government announced increased support that could amount to approximately S$70,000 for each Singapore citizen child from birth to age 17. The package includes a baby gift, healthcare and education grants, child credits, savings incentives and additional childcare support.
Faced with one of the world’s lowest birth rates, South Korea offers substantial support to new parents. Benefits include monthly parental allowances for young children, childcare assistance and tax benefits.
Financial bonuses are only one part of the picture. Countries including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Germany are also known for policies such as generous parental leave, subsidised childcare and family benefits designed to make it easier for parents to balance work and family life.
The calls have been loud for Jamaica to join the discussion. And below, some women state what it would take for them to be convinced to contribute to the birth rate.
Legal changes
“Strong legislation that penalises a father who leaves a mother to do it alone. And not the Family Court $3,000 per week foolishness. If he abandons his responsibility, he should be hunted down like a loan shark hunts down delinquents. It should affect his credit score, his ability to travel, etc, and he should be publicly humiliated. A woman shouldn’t have to struggle to take a man to court. Abandoning a baby should be a crime, punishable by a prison term and fine.” – Rochelle, 33
Affordable child care
“Child care that is decent, affordable and subsidised. I want a Visa card and formula and diapers and free child care until the child enters primary school.” – Prim, 25
Stronger work protections
“Stronger workplace protections, outside of the regular maternity leave with pay stuff. All workplaces should include a child welfare division, and any place that penalises a woman for having children, should face sanctions.”
– Nattalia, 30
Affordable housing/land
“Give actual usable incentives like land and housing to new parents. Give me a start, and I will contribute to the birth rate, no problem. Help me build generational wealth.“
– Jaydene, 23
Healthcare I can trust
“Pregnancy and childbirth are serious, life threatening conditions. I want to know that if something goes wrong, I will be properly cared for. I want quality prenatal care, and quality postpartum care to give me greater confidence about pregnancy and motherhood.”
– Sue, 32
