Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

March 2019 – With a birth rate of 3.5 children per woman, higher than the average global fertility rate of 2.4 children per woman in 2018, Egypt is struggling with population concerns due to water and resource shortages.

In January, the largely Muslim nation introduced new incentives that will encourage one-child families, including free school tuition for one-child families, prioritizing only-children applying for jobs once employment age is reached, and providing one-child parents with fully subsidized health insurance and free life insurance.

At the same time, the government will not give any kind of welfare or subsidies to families with three or more children.

“We will target these families, and all should know that the runaway growth of population is a big threat to the economic development in this country,” said Egypt Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on November 22, 2018.

The United States Agency for International Development signed an $11 million aid package to promote contraceptive use in Egypt.

“The Bible says children are a blessing from God,” observed AFA VP Ed Vitagliano. “It’s tragic when government tries to override His plan.”

mercatornet.com, 12/6/18