Berlin
Many pregnant Germans tried to stave off labor in the waning days of December so they’d give birth in 2007, when “parents’ money” kicked in. Parents of babies born in Germany this year will get generous new subsidies, part of a government effort to boost the falling birth rate. Doctors across the country said women postponed C-sections and avoided activities thought to induce labor, such as having sex or drinking red wine. Germany’s baby bonus is Europe’s most generous: Parents can claim up to $2,375 a month for a year if one of them stays home with an infant. France offers $990 a month for a year of leave, but only starting with the third child.
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