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Some commentators argue that childbearing should be seen as a civic contribution, and that we need more pull factors in parenting.

Some commentators argue that childbearing should be seen as a civic contribution, and that we need more pull factors in parenting.

PHOTO: ST FILE

June Yong

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Singapore’s total fertility rate has dropped to a dismal 0.97,

the first time it has dropped below 1 in the country’s history.

It’s already been below the replacement rate of 2.1 – the level at which the population replaces itself – for a long time, so this new unwanted low has generated more calls to address the problem, beyond the usual solutions of baby bonuses and other financial incentives.

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