Economic Crisis Could Lead To Decline In Birth Rate, Los Angeles Times Reports

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Some economists predict that the U.S. birth rate could decline as a result of the economic crisis, as many couples decide to postpone or not have children because of financial difficulties, the Los Angeles Times reports.

According to the Times, declines in the U.S. fertility rate have followed economic recessions for about 75 years. Demographers say it is too early in the recession to predict the extent of its effect on birth rates; however, the current recession is expected to become one of the most serious since the Great Depression, when the birth rate fell dramatically, the Times reports. Demographers do not expect the birth rate to fall below the replacement level, the level at which each couple reproduces two children.

Many obstetricians expect to see a drop in pregnancies, especially among middle-class families experiencing financial strain. Khalil Tabsh, chief of obstetrics at the University of California- Los Angeles who expects to see a drop in pregnancies, said, "If you can't pay your mortgage, the last thing on your mind is to have another child."

Some economists believe the dwindling economy could lead to more births. Gary Becker, a University of Chicago economist and sociologist, said some women might use a job loss as an opportunity to have children, while some women in the workforce might choose to stop working to raise their children. Carl Haub of the Population Reference Bureau said that the economy's effect on the birth rate will be clearer in about nine months (Guynn, Los Angeles Times, 12/10).

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