The fertility rate in Türkiye is declining: Proposed solutions discussed at SASPAM

The meeting, which was organized by Istanbul Medipol University’s Research Center for Healthcare Systems and Policies (SASPAM) at the South Campus, evaluated the reasons and effects of the declining birth rates in Türkiye. In her presentation, Assoc. Prof. Pakize Yiğit, School of Medicine, discussed the theory of demographic transition and fertility decline in Türkiye and offered various solutions to the problem.

ASSOC. PROF. YİĞİT: FERTILITY RATE HAS DROPPED TO AN ALARMING LEVEL 
Assoc. Prof. Yiğit stated that Türkiye’s total fertility rate has fallen below a critical threshold of 2.1 and said: “A fertility rate below 2.1 means that the population cannot renew itself. Türkiye has now fallen below ‘low fertility’ and has become a ‘very low fertility’ country.” Assoc. Prof. Yiğit drew attention to the fact that these rates pose serious risks in terms of the labor market and economic growth in the long term. She underlined the fact that birth rates are particularly low in metropolitan cities and stated: “The birth rate in metropolitan cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, is at the level of 1.2. In provinces with a high proportion of elderly people, such as Kütahya, Karabük, Zonguldak, and Bartın, this rate has dropped below 1.2.”

ASSOC. PROF. YİĞİT: POLICIES SHOULD BE DEVELOPED TO INCREASE BIRTH RATES 
The presentation also addressed policies implemented by OECD and European countries to increase birth rates. In this context, practices such as supporting families, expanding childcare services, and increasing paid leave periods for mothers and fathers stood out. Assoc. Prof. Yiğit stated that similar policies should be implemented or expanded in Türkiye and said: “Establishing a balance between family and work life, expanding pre-school education, and increasing financial support can be effective in this regard.” At the end of the meeting, the long-term effects of low fertility rates and possible precautions were discussed. Assoc. Prof. Yiğit concluded her speech as follows: “Strategic steps should be taken to ensure that Türkiye preserves its population structure. Otherwise, the aging of the population and the negative impact on economic dynamics may be inevitable.”