Government considers extending maternity leave to combat low birth rates.

Ankara Takes Action to Address Low Birth Rates in Turkey

The Turkish government is gearing up to tackle the country’s declining fertility rates by considering measures such as extending maternity leave to one year, boosting salaries, and providing additional support for families with children, according to local media reports.

Recent statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reveal that the fertility rate in Turkey has dropped significantly over the past two decades, falling below the population replacement threshold of 2.1. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed concerns about the situation, labeling it as an “existential threat.”

While currently, female employees in the private sector are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, discussions are underway to extend this period and explore other forms of government support for families with children. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is considering various options, including looking at global examples and providing support for second and third children.

Emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, officials are advocating for incremental increases in leave based on the number of children, as well as offering nursery or rental support to families. It is crucial to address various aspects, such as women’s remuneration and benefits, to encourage a better work-life balance for parents.