Erdogan Warns of Declining Birth Rate in Turkey

President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has repeatedly criticised birth control, calling it a ?betrayal,? and describing the country?s declining birth rate as a serious national concern.

For nearly 23 years, he has encouraged citizens to have larger families?at least three children or more?and has consistently promoted a traditional family model in which the father is the primary provider while the mother focuses on the home.

?Why not raise at least four or even five children?? Erdogan said recently,



arguing that higher birth rates would help Turkey ?move into the future with greater strength.? 

Despite this long-running campaign, the trend has continued downward. Turkey?s total fertility rate has been declining for more than a decade and is now well below the 2.1 level needed to maintain population stability without immigration.

Demographers attribute the fall to factors seen across many countries, including shifting lifestyles, increased access to higher education for women, and ongoing urbanisation.