Create a country where people want to raise children

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Dr Xinyu Addae-Lee’s recent article, “You want babies? Give women a better birthing experience”, is both timely and deeply necessary. The issues raised go beyond hospital policy; they strike at the heart of how we treat women, families, and the beginning of life in Jamaica.

As she rightly points out, denying women the presence of a birthing companion undermines their safety, dignity, and emotional strength during labour. If we are serious about addressing declining birth rates, we must start by creating a supportive, respectful environment in our hospitals.

However, this cannot be where the conversation ends. Jamaica must also take a broader, more holistic approach to encouraging family life. That includes strengthening partnerships in parenting, especially by involving fathers early in the journey. Programmes that target men as active, supportive partners in pregnancy and child-rearing should be normalised and encouraged.

Additionally, early “mommy classes” and even “daddy classes” should be more accessible in communities and clinics. These sessions can offer guidance, answer concerns, and ease the fears of first-time parents. We also need a stronger media presence around modern parenting.

Financial incentives and support programmes are also crucial. More government-backed parenting incentives, such as subsidised childcare, parental leave for both mothers and fathers, and tax benefits, can make parenting more feasible in today’s high-cost society. There is a need for a national planned parenting policy, not one based on limiting children, but rather one that guides first-time parents with emotional, educational, and financial support from pregnancy to infancy.

If we are to reverse our falling birth rate, we must meet people where they are emotionally, financially, and socially. Respectful maternity care is just the beginning. We must also create a culture that uplifts families, values both parents, and equips them for the responsibility and joy of raising children.

Let’s not just ask for more babies. Let’s create a country that people want to raise their children in.

DANIEL BARNES