[throwaway03635]

I think it's a sign of a development we see in other countries as well. The governments are too slow when it comes to keeping up with social changes.

Historically, women had little choice and was (and still is) under social pressure to have children. In addition to social pressure, they also had a very real economic pressure. Without social security and free health care, the children was a way to ensure that you had someone to look after you when you got sick or old.

It is not surprising to me that as living standards rise, many families are less dependant on children as a safety net. It's also more socially acceptable for a woman to choose her career over a child. The classical role of a mother where she either stayed at home or had a low paying job is gone in modern societies.

The only way governments can stop this trend is to make it more attractive to have children AND a decent career. This will require both changes in financial support and culture (we men have to contribute more at home)