New data shows that nearly 70 percent of Taiwanese would support unmarried
couples and single women raising children — if proper support systems are in
place.

The survey from the Childcare Policy Alliance comes as Taiwan recently
surpassed South Korea to become the country least willing to have children.

Results show that without protections, over 70 percent oppose childbearing
outside marriage and over 60 percent oppose single women raising children.

But when measures such as shared parental responsibility, anti-discrimination
protections and public childcare are introduced, nearly 70% support the idea.

Advocates say the findings suggest concerns are pragmatic rather than moral,
focused on whether sufficient resources exist.

They're urging the government to re-think the idea that childbirth must be
tied to marriage ... and to introduce more flexible policies to address the
declining birth rate.

(IG)