The demographic winter is a national disaster the government must intervene

April 01, 2014 - The demographic winter that has enveloped South Korea "has been caused by government policies over the years. And now, thanks to the artificial birth control that has been imposed for decades, we have ended up in a disaster national". Says, Bp. Peter Kang U-il, Bishop of Cheju and President of the Bishops' Conference of South Korea given to AsiaNews, on Tuesday, April 1. He was speaking about recent data relating to the ongoing decline in birth rates in the country.

The South Korean Catholic Church has always been at the forefront in the battle for life. Inspired by the testimony of the late Cardinal Kim, who brought the issue to the forefront of the bishop's national pastoral agenda. The Catholic community promotes awareness-raising activities , family support programs and demonstrations against tax policies which effectively penalize large families.

For the first time in decades the prelate's prediction is even shared by a government authority. According to analysts, "too many people shy away from the idea of marriage and having children. The government must put a new system in place that provides health care and insurance to those who decide to start a family. We also need a change of mentality, which is perhaps the most worrying factor".

Source: Asia News