A third of a million for a baby! Who will offer more?.

A draft law has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada to increase the assistance for childbirth. This draft law has a similar variant that has been under consideration since March of this year. We are trying to find out why such activity during the war and what the difference is between these projects.

Demographic Crisis in Ukraine

Ukraine is facing a demographic crisis. In recent years, the number of newborns has significantly decreased. According to the Ministry of Justice, the birth rate in 2024 has halved compared to the data before the onset of the Russian aggression. In order to improve the demographic situation, it is proposed to change the law on state assistance to families with children, which has been in effect since 2014 and does not take into account the rising cost of living.

Two Draft Laws

Two draft laws regarding the increase of assistance for newborns have been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. The first draft law proposes linking assistance to the child’s living wage. The second variant proposes a fixed amount of assistance for each child. Both draft laws are under consideration.

Price of the Issue

The cost of implementing the first draft law is estimated at 45 billion UAH, and the second - at 33 billion UAH. However, the budget for 2025 does not provide funds for additional payments. Funding for these draft laws would require a separate budget article.

History of Assistance to Newborns

Ukraine has been providing assistance for childbirth since 1992. The amount of this assistance has changed several times during this period. Currently, the amount of assistance remains unchanged, regardless of the child's living wage.

Andriy Kuzmin, 'Gromadske'