Decline in US birth rates shouldn't be viewed as a doomsday prophecy

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

According to a recent report released by the CDC, fertility rates are down and the age of first-time mother’s has increased. As a high-risk pregnancy doctor who works at one of the busiest labor and delivery units in the country, these facts mirror my daily reality. But contrary to the alarming headlines that are invoking panic in reproductive-aged women across the country, the report’s findings are not necessarily bad news.

In fact, I think they highlight an opposite truth. While there are many factors likely contributing to why the demographics of childbearing are shifting, the most noteworthy — particularly in a period when reproductive autonomy is being threatened — is that women are taking more control over the timing and circumstances of their pregnancies.

In order to interpret the findings, we have to gauge the magnitude of the changes we are talking about. Specifically, what is an increase in the mean age at first birth? For large metro areas this translates to a change in mean age from 25.9 years to 27.7 years and a change in the fertility rate from 2096 births per 1000 women to 1712 births per 1000 women.

These patterns were consistent across levels of urbanization. However, women in rural areas had higher fertility rates and lower mean age at first birth than those in urban areas. Similarly, there were declines in fertility rate and increases in mean age at first birth for each race and Hispanic origin group.

Now, lets get to why this report may offer some cause for celebration. An increasing number of women are using more effective contraceptive methods. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the number of women using long-acting reversible contraception has increased from 2002-2012.

This is exciting because the ability to make choices about reproduction has consistently been associated with greater economic empowerment. Additionally, unintended pregnancies are associated with huge toll on society, both in terms of dollars and in terms of public health with increased rates of adverse maternal and child health outcomes.

https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/413717-decline-in-us-birth-rates-shouldnt-be-viewed-as-a-doomsday-prophecy

[Squinch]

1. Also, the last thing the earth needs is more people messing up the joint.

[raccoon]

2. Especially first world people who use the lion's share of the earth's resources. nt

[smirkymonkey]

3. I don't find this alarming at all.

It's about time the birth rate slowed down. Now we just need to figure out how to make it work in the third-world. Education and the empowerment of women would be a great start.