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BERLIN - German hospitals have seen a surge in the number of planned births this week after a generous aid programme for parents of newborns took effect.
The Government, worried about a shrinking population, introduced benefits worth up to €25,200 ($47,835) to encourage working couples to have children. But only babies born from January 1 qualify. "A lot of women who were scheduled for planned deliveries last month asked to postpone till this week," Klaus Vetter, chief doctor at Vivantes Hospital in Berlin.
German media have been full of tips on how women could hold off giving birth until January 1.
A parent who takes time off to care for a newborn can receive two-thirds of their net monthly salary, up to €1800, for 12 months. If the other parent takes a further two months off, the benefit is extended for two months.
- REUTERS
