There Will Be No Postwar Baby Boom: Libanova Explained Why the Birth Rate Won’t Rise Sharply
3 August 20:14
YOUTUBE
Once the war ends, Ukraine will not experience a sharp rise in the birth rate. A certain compensatory increase in the number of newborns is possible, but a true baby boom should not be expected. This was stated by Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in an interview with the YouTube channel "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the demographer, assumptions about a sharp rise in the birth rate after the war have no real basis.
“No, absolutely not,” she said, responding to a question about a possible baby boom after the war ends.
At the same time, Libanova does not rule out a certain compensatory effect, in which some families who postponed having children due to the war will return to their original plans.
“There may be a certain compensatory increase, but it will most likely not be very large,” she noted.
The expert emphasized that the decision to have children depends on many factors, and the war is just one of them. Furthermore, Ukraine remains part of a global demographic trend.
“In general, there is a worldwide trend toward declining birth rates,” Libanova said.
In her opinion, even after the war ends, it will not be possible to significantly change the situation without a targeted government policy.
“To increase the birth rate, we need a very strong, comprehensive government policy to support fertility and families,” she emphasized.
According to Libanova, demographic policy must be long-term and comprehensive. Financial payments alone are not enough—it is necessary to create conditions under which young families feel secure, have stable jobs and housing, and are able to plan for the future.
“Only a combination of economic stability, security, and systematic support for families can gradually contribute to the recovery of the birth rate in Ukraine,” she concluded.
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