The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a recommendation for governments to refrain from costly childcare allowances because measures encouraging childbirth do not actually lead to more births.
 
The IMF said that due to rising public expenditure resulting from low birthrates and aging populations, many countries may see their fiscal soundness weaken in the next dozens of years. 

The agency said that measures encouraging childbirth positively affect women's participation in the labor market but the effect on the birthrate is unclear or paltry. 
 
Forecasting a rise in the percentage of seniors compared to the working age population, the IMF warned that at this pace, public expenses, such as pensions and medical costs, will increase and may deal a great burden on governments around the world.