TAIPEI (TVBS News) — KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih announced a new childbirth policy on Monday (Sept. 25), promising subsidies for child-rearing and promoting preschool's quasi-public and non-profit features.
The policy includes provisions such as egg-freezing subsidies, assurance of childbirth, increased maternity and unpaid leave allowances, and housing subsidies for families with three children.
For women aged 30-40, Hou proposed a one-off egg-freezing stipend of NT＄20,000, followed by annual grants of NT＄2,000 for storage costs over five years, totaling up to NT＄30,000.
Hou also pledged to increase statutory maternity leave pay from 80% to full salary, along with an added government subsidy of 20%.
Furthermore, Hou has promised a million-dollar housing supplement for families with a third child to assist with house purchases, down payments, or rent.
Among the policies Hou previously presented was a childcare allowance of NT＄10,000 per month for children aged 0 to 6, regardless of whether they are cared for by public, non-profit, quasi-public babysitting or preschool institutions or family members at home.
Hou said these policies aim to encourage more people to give birth and combat the looming low birth rate crisis.