James Marape Proposes Three-Child Limit for Papua New Guinea

Prime Minister James Marape announced a new National Family Planning Policy designed to lower the birth rate in Papua New Guinea by encouraging families to have no more than three children. Speaking at the opening of the Dr Kaven Memorial Hospital in East New Britain Province, Marape stated the policy aims to prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce the economic burden on rural households.

The government cited National Statistics Office data showing a population of 10.18 million with an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent. Officials noted that adding over 180,000 people per year creates critical strain on schools, health services, and infrastructure. Marape argued that limiting family size is essential for maternal safety and domestic prosperity.

While the government relies on official statistics, the National Research Institute of Papua New Guinea suggests the growth rate may be higher, closer to three percent. Some reports indicate that census data in the country remains unreliable due to the difficulty of counting residents in dense forests and rugged hills.