Tailoring benefit plans to couples' needs, desires may stimulate many to have smaller families.

Abstract

Various Asian countries have antinatalist incentive plans to encourage families to limit their childbearing. Several such economic plans in Taiwan, Singapore, and Korea are described. A new plan proposed by R.C. Treadway and R.W. Gillespie of The Population Council is described. Under this plan, families may choose the type of incentive they wish--subsidizing housing, cash, savings accounts, or commodities--for every year in which they have no child. No benefits are paid within 4 years of a birth. Couples remain in the program until the wife reaches 40. It is hoped that the program would encourage postponement and limitation of births. For the program to succeed, family planning education and facilities must be available and accessible.