Hungary pays couples to have babies: Does it work?
Podcast: The Global StoryPublished On: Wed Jun 17 2026
Description: Global fertility rates are at record lows globally, and governments around the world are urging couples to grow their families.Under Viktor Orbán’s leadership, Hungary implemented some of the most aggressive pro-natalist policies in the world — including generous subsidies for couples who promise to have children, lengthy paid maternity leave, and thousands of dollars in interest-free loans.But does paying people to have kids actually work? We speak to BBC populations correspondent Stephanie Hegarty about the possibilities and limitations of pro-natalist government policies.Producers: Xandra Ellin and Hannah MooreExecutive producer: Bridget HarneyMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: A mother holding the feet of her baby. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
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