ADOPTION

The combination of longevity, careers for women, contraception and falling sperm levels gives many good things, but more babies is not one of them. Denmark, and other European countries, are storing up trouble for themselves, because there are not enough new Danes to take care of the old Danes of the future.

Adoption might help alleviate the problem, but even here things are not going the right way. The number of couples approved as eligible for adoption has plummeted in recent years. In 2005 it was 1,183, but that had halved five years later and fallen to 238 in 2013. This year is predicted to be even lower; a mere 55 couples had been approved in the first four months.

There is no one reason for this downward trend. The economic situation probably plays a part; the cost of adopting has risen sharply. But there has also been a string of scandals in the media, usually involving parents in very poor countries who (it is alleged) either part with their children in return for benefits which do not materialise, or are forced to part with them against their will. That makes prospective adoptive parents rather twitchy.

Whatever the reason, it is not a good development. Denmark needs more Danes. In the interests of national solidarity, I am willing to help and make myself available. Any takers?

Walter Blotscher