Data from the Population Census indicate an alarming decline in the birth rate in Montenegro, said the president of the Budi Mama Foundation, Žana Mihaljević, and added that she is concerned about the lack of reaction from competent institutions while the number of newborns is decreasing and the population is aging.
He told the MINA agency that non-governmental organizations and foundations, such as "Budi Mama", which have been fighting for years to encourage birth rates and provide support to couples in the process of in vitro fertilization, have been appealing to the Government and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, for months, but there are no answers.
"This silence of the state regarding one of the most serious problems that Montenegro is facing raises the question: will we, due to irresponsibility and carelessness of the government, lose the chance for demographic recovery?", said Mihaljević.
As she pointed out, according to the latest data from the census, Montenegro is recording a worrying decline in the number of births, while more and more young couples are facing sterility problems.
"In a country where economic difficulties, insecure employment and expensive treatments for in vitro fertilization are a daily reality, state aid in this area is minimal or non-existent," said Mihaljević.
According to her, there are fewer and fewer babies, and more and more families who do not have the opportunity to expand their homes due to financial and health restrictions.
Mihaljević said that the "Budi Mama" Foundation has been providing support to couples who want to fulfill their role as parents, but face enormous obstacles along the way.
As she explained, through various initiatives, including financial assistance for in vitro fertilization, raising awareness of the importance of birth and providing emotional support, the Foundation works to provide every family with a chance for offspring.
Mihaljević pointed out that, without the support of the state, these efforts are limited.
"Despite repeated appeals for urgent measures - increasing the number of free in vitro fertilization cycles, greater financial aid for young families and creating a stable environment for raising children - answers from the Government and Milatović have not yet arrived," said Mihaljević.
She emphasized that the drop in the birth rate and the ignoring of appeals for help directly affect the future of Montenegro.
"The lower number of children born leads to demographic instability, which later spills over into all spheres of society - from the economy and the labor market, to education and the health system," Mihaljević pointed out.
The lack of young people of working age, she added, creates additional pressure on the pension and health systems, and the departure of young families abroad further worsens the situation.
"If the state does not react now, the consequences may be irreversible," Mihaljević warned, stressing that ignoring the demographic crisis will not only endanger the future of families, but also the survival of Montenegro as a viable state.
She said that, on behalf of all Montenegrin citizens who want to become parents, the "Be a Mother" Foundation and many other non-governmental organizations demand urgent incentives and support from the state.
"A clear and concrete strategy is needed to solve the problem of declining birth rates, including increasing the number of free IVF cycles for couples with infertility problems, introducing direct financial assistance to families with newborns," Mihaljević pointed out.
According to her, favorable housing loans and benefits for young couples who want to start a family are needed, as well as higher subsidies for kindergartens and preschool institutions.
Mihaljević said that now is the time to react.
"Each lost day can mean another family giving up on the dream of parenthood. "Montenegro must set the birth rate as a priority, because without children, there is no future," concluded Mihaljević.
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