Taiwan's sagging birth rate has prompted local authorities around the island to offer child care subsidies as an incentive for parenthood. But in many places the benefit is only available for children with legally married parents, which is now accused by feminist groups as discrimination against those born out of wedlock.

From New Year's Day, Taipei City will 'help you get pregnant' with a policy promoting maternity providing a monthly subsidy of 2,500 NT$. Mrs. Hu who gave birth to a child on New Year's immediately received 2,500 NT$.

In order to encourage fertility, 120 counties, cities, townships and villages are providing maternity grants ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 NT$.

However, one-third of these programs restrict it to those that are married.

Some question why one needs to be married to have a child.

Women's groups point out that some not only impose marriage restrictions, but there are age restrictions, and even a restriction pertaining to a third child.

Another restriction says that they have to be born to the same father.

Some scholars believe that these policies are discriminatory.

Women's groups also say that studies show that good policies abroad have encouraged fertility rates, as it encourages the government to increase subsidies.

Huang Sue-ying, a DPP legislator and a member of the Commission on Women's Rights Promotion called for more fair policy, urging the Ministry of the Interiror to conduct a comprehensive review.

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