kathimerini.gr
Greece's Demographic Crisis: High Cesarean Rates and Economic Burden Hamper Childbirth
Greece's government will unveil a new package of financial incentives at the Thessaloniki International Fair to address the country's declining birth rate, but high Cesarean rates and the economic costs of childbirth and IVF remain significant obstacles.
- What are the primary measures the Greek government is planning to address its declining birth rate?
- The Greek government will present a new package of financial incentives at the Thessaloniki International Fair, aiming to boost the birth rate. Details are yet to be released, but previous measures include birth allowances ranging from €2,400 to €3,500 per child, and monthly allowances depending on income.
- What are the broader societal factors and potential long-term consequences of the current situation?
- The high Cesarean rate has implications beyond cost, as it can negatively impact postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. A lack of support for mothers, coupled with the high economic burden and societal pressures, discourages women from having more than one child, leading to a potential long-term decline in population and a shrinking workforce.
- How do high Cesarean rates and the cost of IVF treatments affect the decision to have children in Greece?
- The high rate of Cesarean sections in Greece (50-65%), far exceeding the European (25.7%) and international (21.1%) averages, increases the cost of childbirth. Combined with the high cost of IVF (€7,200), which is often followed by a Cesarean, this creates a significant economic burden that makes having children prohibitively expensive for many Greek couples.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue of Greece's declining birth rate as primarily an economic problem, focusing heavily on the costs of childbirth, particularly Cesarean sections and IVF treatments. While acknowledging social factors, the economic aspect is heavily emphasized, potentially overshadowing other contributing factors such as societal expectations or cultural shifts.
Language Bias
The article uses language that could be perceived as negatively loaded when discussing Cesarean sections, referring to them as 'a surgery in the womb' and implying that it is a difficult experience for women. The phrase 'women go as sheep to the slaughter' is also quite strong and dramatic. More neutral language could be used, such as describing Cesarean sections as a surgical procedure with potential challenges and recovery time. The term 'overwhelming costs' could be replaced with a more neutral term such as 'significant costs' or 'substantial expenses'.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of potential government policies or initiatives beyond financial incentives that might address the declining birth rate. For example, it does not explore policies related to parental leave, childcare accessibility, or workplace support for parents. While the focus on economic factors is understandable, a broader perspective on societal and policy solutions would provide a more comprehensive analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified eitheor framing by heavily focusing on the financial burdens of childbirth as the primary reason for the declining birth rate. While financial costs are a significant factor, the article doesn't fully explore the interplay of multiple factors, such as social pressures, cultural shifts, and women's career aspirations, which contribute to the complexity of the issue. Presenting it solely as an economic problem creates a false dichotomy.
Gender Bias
The article largely focuses on the experiences of women in relation to childbirth, which is understandable given the topic. However, it could benefit from including more perspectives from fathers or male partners on the challenges they face in balancing family life and work, or the societal pressures they experience. The article should also avoid reinforcing stereotypes related to women's roles in childbirth and motherhood.
Sustainable Development Goals
The high cost of childbirth in Greece, including Cesarean sections and IVF, creates a significant financial burden for families, potentially pushing some into or deeper into poverty and hindering their ability to afford raising children. The article highlights the financial barriers to having children, impacting lower-income families disproportionately.