What is the goal of pro-natalist policies?

Pro-natalist policies are designed to encourage higher birth rates within a population. These policies can take various forms, such as financial incentives for families to have more children, parental leave benefits, subsidized childcare, and the promotion of family-friendly workplace practices. The primary aim is to address issues related to declining population growth, aging populations, or demographic imbalances where the number of elderly individuals may outstrip the working-age population.

By implementing pro-natalist policies, governments hope to enhance the fertility rate and ensure a stable or growing population, which can be crucial for maintaining economic growth and supporting social structures. This approach contrasts with other policies focused on limiting population growth, such as those aimed at controlling or reducing birth rates, which serve different demographic and economic goals.