With OECD countries’ fertility rates dropping by 20% in the last three decades, there is motivation to understand what might increase birth rates to reach birth replacement level of 2.0 births per woman.
Given the understanding that combining family and career obligations is a deterrent to childbearing, Spain tracked birth rate in relation to improvements in paid parental leave, particularly the implementation of father-exclusive leave (a fully compensated period exclusive to the father). Prior to the implementation of dad-only time, fathers were entitled to two days only. This increased to two weeks by 2007 and eventually to 8 weeks by 2019.
The study showed no effect on first and second-order births, but did show an increase in higher-order births (third and fourth-time mothers) linked to the 4-week leave intervention – with an average monthly increase ranging from 0.8% to 1.1%. Fertility rates did not react to larger leave entitlements.
There are many reasons to support paid parental leave for its benefits to the entire family, including stronger bonds with children and spouse. If increased fertility rates are what motivates countries to establish longer paid parental leave, so be it!
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
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In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Pinilla, J. (2024). More father leave, more babies? Father-exclusive parental leave periods and fertility. Research Square.