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Birth rate

Czech maternity hospitals shuttering as birth rate falters

At least 600 deliveries a year have to occur for a hospital to remain open in Czech Republic.
At least 600 deliveries a year have to occur for a hospital to remain open in Czech Republic.

Russian women decry plans to ‘therapise’ them into having children

Russia is facing a demographic crisis, with fertility rates at 1.4 children per woman, far below the 2.1 threshold that demographers say is needed to keep the population at its current level.
Russia is facing a demographic crisis, with fertility rates at 1.4 children per woman, far below the 2.1 threshold that demographers say is needed to keep the population at its current level.

After decades of grappling with population explosion, India now confronts the opposite

According to projections from India’s official economic survey, Andhra Pradesh’s population will stay at its 2016 level of just over 50 million for the next decades.
According to projections from India’s official economic survey, Andhra Pradesh’s population will stay at its 2016 level of just over 50 million for the next decades.

Japan’s ‘singles tax’ is just one battle after another

Government efforts to pay for pro-natal policies like childcare services has created an unintended backlash, says the writer.
Government efforts to pay for pro-natal policies like childcare services has created an unintended backlash, says the writer.

South Korea’s population drop eases, raising hopes of reversal

South Korea recorded 26,916 births in January, which climbed 11.7 per cent from 2025, marking the highest January figure since 2019.
South Korea recorded 26,916 births in January, which climbed 11.7 per cent from 2025, marking the highest January figure since 2019.

More new citizens for a baby-scarce S’pore: Can integration into society balance rising immigration?

Singaporeans mostly acknowledged the need for immigration, but had concerns over job competition, pressure on public resources.
Singaporeans mostly acknowledged the need for immigration, but had concerns over job competition, pressure on public resources.

Kids, in this economy? Singaporeans on the barriers to having more children, if at all

ST20260313_202601400443/sftfr15/Soo Fang/Jason Quah

Andre Tong, Rachael Chen their daughter Katie Meyer Tong and pet cat Kouki pictured Mar 13, 2026. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
ST20260313_202601400443/sftfr15/Soo Fang/Jason Quah

Andre Tong, Rachael Chen their daughter Katie Meyer Tong and pet cat Kouki pictured Mar 13, 2026. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

Singapore wants more babies. Will a radical reset reverse the fertility crunch?

Recommendations to boost birth rates must be generous yet sustainable, said analysts.
Recommendations to boost birth rates must be generous yet sustainable, said analysts.

Govt to look at easing hurdles for new mothers to rejoin workforce: Chan Chun Sing

Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing at a fireside chat moderated by American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore chief executive Lei Hsien-Hsien on March 13.
Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing at a fireside chat moderated by American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore chief executive Lei Hsien-Hsien on March 13.

China to build ‘birth-friendly society’, refine social security system

A man carries a child outside a children's hospital in Beijing, China November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo
A man carries a child outside a children's hospital in Beijing, China November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.