Time for action: Public policies to revert low fertility

Low fertility can be divided into two types; moderately low fertility where the fertility rate is above 1.5 births per woman but below the replacement level of 2.1 and very low fertility where the fertility rate is below 1.5. The paper describes the negative effects of very low fertility in relation to demographic, economic and social sustainability. While countries can never be absolutely certain about the efficacy of pronatalist policy, the paper argues that the risks of doing nothing for very low fertility countries substantially outweigh the risks that policies will not be effective. A comprehensive approach to very low fertility would simultaneously address the financial impact of having children, child care and early childhood education and workplace arrangements. Depending upon the country, it may also involve a higher level of security of tenure of jobs for young people and changes in values regarding the timing of the first birth. The actual policy mix will vary from country to country depending upon each county’s particular circumstances. For countries with very low fertility rates, it is time for comprehensive action. For those with moderately low fertility, it is time to consolidate levels of support for families with children.