Iran Launches “Mother’s Hope Card” to Boost National Birth Rates
In a significant move to address demographic challenges, the Iranian government has officially launched the “Mother’s Hope Card” initiative, a substantial financial support program for new mothers. The program, a key policy of the 13th administration, was formally approved by the President after thorough review and represents a strategic national investment in the country’s future.
A Strategic Response to a Demographic Shift
The plan was developed and ratified by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, receiving final presidential sign-off. Officials have identified the “Mother’s Hope Card” as a pivotal executive measure to counter the declining national birth rate and improve the country’s demographic indicators.
Citing official statistics that show a 25% decrease in the birth rate over the past five years, a government spokesperson stated, “Financial support for mothers and newborns is not merely a cash payment; it is an investment in the country’s future. When mothers feel economic security, the decision to have children becomes easier for them.”
How the Landmark Support Program Works
The program is structured to provide direct and targeted aid to families:
- Eligibility: All mothers who give birth from the beginning of the next Iranian calendar year (March 2025) will be automatically eligible.
- Financial Benefit: Each qualified mother will receive a card that is credited with 20 million Rials (equivalent to 2 million Tomans) per month for 24 consecutive months.
- Targeted Spending: The funds are not for cash withdrawal. Instead, the card is dedicated exclusively to purchasing essential goods and services for the mother and child, including food, clothing, hygiene products, infant medicine, and baby formula.
Comprehensive Implementation and Oversight
The Ministry of Welfare is tasked with preparing the electronic payment infrastructure and identification system for eligible mothers by the end of the current Iranian year. Partner banks are mandated to ensure the card is accepted at chain stores, pharmacies, and child supply centers.
The program will be implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Central Bank. Funding will be sourced from special allocations for population support and the budget of the Ministry of Welfare.
Beyond Financial Aid: Additional Benefits for Families
The “Mother’s Hope Card” is designed as a comprehensive support package, offering benefits that extend beyond the monthly credit. These include:
- Discounts on medical and hospital services related to childbirth and postnatal care.
- Easy access to support packages of essential goods.
- Automatic registration in a health insurance plan for mothers and infants, covering medical services until the child’s second birthday.
- Free educational resources on child-rearing and care.
The government plans to eventually integrate this card with other social support schemes, such as subsistence subsidies and the electronic coupon system, to create a unified platform for family aid.
The successful implementation of the “Mother’s Hope Card” is poised to be a milestone in Iran’s population policies, aiming to alleviate economic pressure on young families and contribute to the revitalization of the nation’s demographic growth.
