Abstract
In Sweden, Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has increased drastically since 1980, predominantly after 1985. Since 1975 fertility for age group of 25-39 has started to increase. Conversely, fertility for age group of 20-24 has decreased remarkably until 1984. From 1985 and later, therefore, fertility for most of age groups shows the tangible upward increase. Married fertility has increased consistently from 1980 through 1990, on the other hand unmarried fertility has remained stable until 1985 and increased thereafter. The current analysis suggested that fertility changes in Sweden are closely related to the scheme of paid maternity leave. The 1986 renovation seems to highly enhance the motivation of childbearing. However, the frame of scheme unexpectedly seems to bring about the increase of abortion rate at the same time. More importantly, the development of scheme for maternity leave presumably has come up in connection with the employment policy to recruit the welfare personnel, which is intended to cope with the ageing society. Considering reluctant promotion of maternity leave in Japan, the Swedish employment policy could offer the persuasive way of negotiating with the Japanese industrial world.
