More than half of Japanese women in their thirties, those born in the second Baby Boom of 1971 to 1974, have not given birth, according to a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MOHLW) report released 3rd March.

Furthermore, in 2004 the fertility rate averaged 1.29, but the rate for 33-year-old women was 1.12.

Researchers believe that some of the reasons for the decline are that women are getting married later, or not marrying at all.

Other surveys

In a poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, 87% of people questioned said they took the issue of Japan's declining population seriously.

Answering a multiple-choice questionnaire on causes of the declining birth rate, 63% percent said it was too expensive to raise children, 54% said people were marrying later, and 49% said their was lack of support for having and raising children.

Data from another MOHLW survey shows that the birthrate nearly triples if the workplace has a child care system. In 2003, 14.3% of women whose workplace offered child-care leave had a baby within one year, compared to 5.2% of women whose workplace did not. If a company encouraged women to take child-care leave, the figure rose to 18.3%.

In addition, the contribution made by husbands to household duties had a direct effect on the birthrate. Couples where the husband spent time on such duties and child rearing were more likely to have a child, and even a second baby.

Abortions targeted

In a controversial step, Fukushima Prefecture is expanding its foster parent program as part of a move to dissuade women from having abortions as a way to increase the birthrate. The abortion rate in Fukushima is above the national average.

"Foster parent coordinators" will encourage expectant mothers to continue with their pregnancies, and obstetricians and gynecologists are being asked to distribute pamphlets introducing child-support measures, including foster care.

Critics of the scheme say it will narrow the choices for women on whether to give birth or not.