From 35 thousand to 19: the demographic crisis illustrated by the example of Kyiv

The demographic crisis in Kyiv did not begin with the full-scale invasion—it had been brewing for years. However, with the start of the full-scale war, it became particularly noticeable. UNN has gathered information for you that clearly demonstrates the birth rate in the capital. 

The decline in the birth rate in the capital was observed even before the start of the full-scale war. According to statistics, 35,558 babies were born in Kyiv in 2015, and by 2019, the number was around 30,000. After 2022, the figure slightly exceeds 19,000. Nevertheless, the capital remains the leader in birth rates across the country. 

The birth rate is influenced by a number of factors caused by the war: migration processes, a lack of confidence in the future, changes in gender roles and family models—men are at the front while women are alone—economic factors, and health. 

The planning horizon for Ukrainians has significantly shortened—for many, it is "to survive the year" or even "to survive this night." All of this does not contribute to improving the demographic situation.  

How the state compensates for the cost of childbirth 

Despite the widespread opinion that the state is doing too little to improve the demographic situation, it is not standing aside. For instance, among the medical guarantee programs in Ukraine, there is the "Medical Assistance for Childbirth" program. Childbirth for women under this service package is free—the cost of services is compensated to institutions that have relevant agreements by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). 

Under the medical guarantee program, the cost of childbirth is estimated at approximately 20,000 hryvnias. It does not matter whether it is a natural birth or a cesarean section—the cost also includes pain relief. 

Since 2020, the NHSU has paid over 2 billion hryvnias to medical institutions of all forms of ownership in the capital for medical support during childbirth. 

Where the most Kyivans are born 

The lion's share of payments went to the KNP "Perinatal Center of Kyiv," which has received over 554 million UAH since 2020. The peak of payments occurred after the merger of two leading institutions in terms of the number of infants born: Maternity Hospital No. 5 and the Perinatal Center, which was established on the basis of the capital's Maternity Hospital No. 7. Before the merger, which was finalized in 2023, Maternity Hospital No. 5 was the leader, followed immediately by the Perinatal Center. 

According to statistics voiced recently by Viktoriia Bila—the current medical director of the Perinatal Center and the head of the institution before the merger—they handled 7,000 births in 2017. In 2024, the merged institution handled 8,300 births, and in 2025 [sic], 7,600. As we can see, the decline in the birth rate is also visible in the institution's statistics, yet it remains the leader in the capital. 

The reason is not only the volume but also the profile: the most complex cases from across the capital are brought here, and almost the entire flow of premature births in Kyiv is concentrated here. Effectively, after the merger, the largest perinatal cluster in Ukraine was created. 

Separate payments for the smallest ones 

During the operation of the medical guarantee programs, the NHSU paid the capital's maternity hospitals over 1.1 billion hryvnias under the "Medical Assistance to Newborns in Complex Neonatal Cases" package, of which over 412 million went to the Perinatal Center. Over 228 million hryvnias were paid under the program that includes assistance for prematurely born infants. 

Yet, despite the volume of support, the situation leaves much to be desired. The problem is that while medics in extremely difficult conditions try to save every life, Ukrainian women who remained in Ukraine are in no hurry to give birth. As long as millions of Ukrainians are abroad, as long as men are at the front, and as long as the family planning horizon does not extend beyond the next shelling—no amount of compensation or high-quality medical services will return the birth rate to pre-war levels.