Addressing South Korea’s Declining Birth Rate: Guri’s proactive Approach

South Korea faces a notable demographic challenge with one of the world’s lowest birth rates. In response, Guri City, Gyeonggi Province, is implementing a comprehensive suite of policies aimed at supporting prospective parents and encouraging childbirth. These initiatives range from financial incentives to healthcare support,signaling a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for families.

Comprehensive Healthcare Initiatives for Expectant Mothers

Guri City is prioritizing the health and well-being of pregnant women through various free healthcare services. These include registration and specialized care at pregnant women’s health centers.These centers provide essential resources and guidance throughout pregnancy.

Financial Assistance for Fertility Treatments

Recognizing the financial burden associated with fertility treatments, guri City offers ample support for procedures like egg freezing. The Gyeonggi-do Earth Freezing Procedure Support Project provides women aged 20-49 with coverage for 50% of the costs associated with egg freezing, up to a maximum of ₩2 million per person for procedures performed after January 1st of this year. This initiative aims to empower women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Furthermore,the city extends financial aid to individuals facing potential reproductive impairment due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Both men and women can receive support covering 50% of germ cell freezing and preservation expenses, with men eligible for up to ₩300,000 in assistance.

Pregnancy Registration and Support Packages

Expectant mothers who register with guri City’s pregnant women’s health center receive a pregnancy festivity gift, iron supplements (provided between weeks 12 and 16 of pregnancy), and comprehensive pregnancy care. They also gain access to vital information regarding government policies related to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.

Eligibility for registration requires pregnant women to be registered residents of Guri City for at least one year. To enhance accessibility, residents can conveniently apply for registration and receive service items via courier through the Government 24 agreeable pregnancy integration service, eliminating the need for in-person visits.

Pre-Pregnancy Health Checkups

Guri City also provides free health checkups for women preparing for pregnancy after marriage. these checkups include blood tests for conditions such as anemia, liver function abnormalities, and sexually transmitted infections (including HIV and syphilis), as well as urine tests. Women who are pregnant before officially registering their marriage can still access these services by presenting marriage proof documents like wedding invitations or contracts.

Childbirth Incentives: Financial Rewards for Growing Families

To further incentivize childbirth, Guri City offers substantial financial rewards to families. The city provides ₩500,000 for the first child, ₩1 million for the second, ₩2 million for the third, and ₩3 million for the fourth child. These incentives aim to alleviate the financial burdens associated with raising children.

Support for Fertility Screening and Procedures

Guri City actively promotes childbirth by subsidizing fertility screening expenses and providing support for procedures like frozen embryo transfer. Couples can receive assistance for frozen embryo transfer procedures up to two times.

Mayor’s Vision for a Supportive Environment

We will continue to guarantee the health of citizens by life cycle and expand various pregnancy and childbirth support policies such as support for infertility couples.
Baek Kyung-hyun, Mayor of Guri City

Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun’s statement underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens and its proactive approach to addressing the challenges of a declining birth rate.By investing in comprehensive support systems for prospective parents,guri City is striving to create a thriving and supportive environment for families.