For Australian Moms to Be, a Bonus for Delay
Think of expectant mothers who can't wait to deliver. And now consider the motivation that some Australian mothers have to delay. Australia offers a baby bonus to improve the fertility rate. Starting July first, the payment increases by $740. Hospitals expect some mothers to put off C-sections and other procedures to get the extra cash. When the payments started in 2004, hundreds of women held off a week or more.
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STEVE INSKEEP, host:
Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep.
Think of expectant mothers who are just dying to have their pregnancies over with. And now consider the motivation that some Australian mothers have to delay. Australia offers a baby bonus to improve the fertility rate. Starting July 1st, the payment increases by $740. Hospitals expect some mothers to put off C-sections and other procedures in order to get the extra cash. When the payments started in 2004, hundreds of women held off a week or more. It's MORNING EDITION.
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