The Straits Times article, “Rising share of singles is one main reason for Singapore’s great baby drought: Report” on June 10, 2024, that seemingly blames single women for Singapore’s declining birth rates, represents a misguided and sexist narrative. 

The article quoted statistics from a study by the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS), which focused on women who remain single juxtaposed against married women who had children, without considering the statistics on men who also remained single. This reveals a clear bias against women, implying they are the problem. 

By suggesting that women are solely responsible for marriage and procreation, both the study and the article unfairly reinforce the stereotype that women are too picky or should be following traditional societal norms to get married and have babies. 

Spoiler alert: Men also play a significant role in these dynamics.

Since when did Cupid only train its arrow on women? Men’s choices must be included for any meaningful analysis.

The study’s underlying implication—that the problem lies with women choosing not to marry— ignores the oft quoted concerns of younger people about having children in Singapore. These concerns include the high cost of living, particularly housing; the financial burden of childcare and education; the burden of childcare and domestic work; long-term environmental concerns; and personal and professional aspirations, given the finite number of hours in a day.

People who want children generally get married first because of social acceptance and the stigma of illegitimacy. However, with younger people’s concerns causing many of them to choose to stay child-free, the pressure of a biological clock pushing people to get married earlier is no longer there. This is the unexamined reason behind the stats in the DOS study.

We must do more to support people who want to or already have children: we need effective and actionable offerings such as equalising paid paternity leave, increasing paid childcare leave, and supporting employers in hiring covers for working parents on parental leave. 

But it also has to be asked: Has the problem gotten to a point now where it is severe enough for us to actually change course, drop conservative or traditional mindsets, and embrace a more inclusive society? Are we prepared to support and encourage those who want children, even if they are not married or heterosexual? 

For example, can we remove the restriction that only a married woman can use her eggs frozen through elective egg freezing (EEF)? Can we finally throw out the concept of illegitimacy? 

If we want to address our declining birth rate, we must think about the broader societal issues influencing the decision not to have children and preventing some people from having children, even when they want to. The study disappointingly missed the chance to explore the underlying causes and, worse, reinforces outdated stereotypes. 

In case we haven’t made it clear yet, the problem is not single women (or men, for that matter) — the problem is rooted in policies and the overall quality of life in Singapore. 

Even as we do, and must do, our best to support people to have children, we believe we may be past the point of reversing the declining birth rate, a view echoed by The Straits Times senior columnist Lin Suling. Singapore needs to prepare for the reality of an ageing population and be realistic about immigration and workforce policy. 

Recognising and supporting those who opt to remain child-free is also very important. These individuals are valued members of our society, and their decisions deserve recognition and respect. 

Ultimately, addressing Singapore’s declining birth rate and ensuring a sustainable future requires a comprehensive approach that moves beyond outdated gender biases and social norms. By creating a society that respects all choices, everyone—regardless of their personal decisions about parenthood—will feel valued and supported.