Hong Kong to set up public ‘condolence points’ for first post-Handover leader Tung Chee-hwa

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has pledged to review government support for women over 40 seeking assisted reproductive treatment, while recognizing that financial incentives alone won't solve the city's declining birth rate. During a radio phone-in program, Lee heard from residents about challenges to starting families, including job insecurity.

One woman, also named Lee, spoke of a medical condition and lengthy recovery preventing her from having a child before a perceived optimal age. Lee insisted he would "go back and look into this, as it involves professional medical considerations." The woman explained that despite their ability to raise children financially, they were denied public assistance because she was over 40 and had to resort to expensive private treatments.

Lee emphasized that the government aims to create a family-friendly environment by addressing financial pressures, housing challenges, workplace demands, and childcare needs, rather than relying solely on individual incentives. He acknowledged that short-term measures provide only temporary relief and that no specific payment can guarantee increased births.

Lee noted that economic factors, such as the newborn bonus, tax allowances, and housing support, are crucial but that structural and personal factors, like women's higher education levels and career priorities, also play significant roles. He added that reversing the long-term decline in births would be challenging due to these complex factors.

Concerns about job security were also raised, with a resident stating that repeated layoffs had left younger workers hesitant to commit to long-term plans, including marriage and having children. Lee affirmed that Hong Kong's economy is improving, with full-year growth forecasts upgraded to between 3.5 and 4.5 percent. The five-year plan aims to boost confidence among residents and international investors by promoting economic diversification and creating diverse job opportunities.

When asked about extending statutory paternity leave, Lee declined to commit, citing the need to consider the pressures faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. The latest policy address increased the newborn bonus to HK$30,000 for second or subsequent children and expanded childcare and after-school services, as well as increased capacity for assisted reproductive treatment at public hospitals.