Tuesday, August 18, 2009

 

Report: U.S. Women Delaying Pregnancy

Back in 1970, 1 in 100 births were to women 35 or older.

In 2006, that number has increased to 1 in 12 births.

There are many ways to look at these trends. Perhaps this is a sign that couples are waiting until they are more financially stable to have children. Or perhaps couples are ignorant to the medical risks that increase rapidly as a woman passes 35. You can read more about the study here.

In any case, the U.S. is in a unique position. Our population growth is strong. The numbers bear out that fact, especially when compared to European nations like Italy and the Scandinavian countries. Of course, that couldn't have anything to do with our past aversion to socialism or our superior health care system, could it, liberals?

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Comments:
Population growth is partially a function of health, but a big piece of it--since the development of effective birth control--is attitude. You can't truly compare the US and Europe without taking into account how many children the average parent *wants* to have.

If the desired family size is smaller in one place than in the other, then the population growth will be smaller, regardless of the quality of the health system.
 
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