Singapore started population control measures way back in the 1960s, with schemes aimed at decreasing population growth rate due to concerns of lower prosperity. These schemes were divided into three major phases.

1. Anti-natalist phase (1966-1982)

Liberalised abortion

Legalised Voluntary Sterilisation

Main aim was to improve standards of living by not having too many children.

2. Eugenics phase (1983-1986)

Transition period in between anti-natalist and pro-natalist phase

Birth rates started to slow down, emphasis on more “genetically-educated babies”

Social Development Unit established

3. Pro-natalist phase (1987 onwards)

By this time, birth rates have fallen drastically, to the point where it is now seen as a problem

Incentives put in place such as the Children Development Co-Saving Scheme a.k.a. Baby Bonus

The public response towards population policies has pretty unfavourable, to say the least. Eugenic policies, in particular, proved to be hugely unpopular and the policies were amended in 1985 after widespread criticisms and displeasure shown at polling stations. Some people even called the policies racist as they seem to favour mainly the Chinese in Singapore.