"Women In The United States Are Having Fewer Babies Than Ever Before" - Josh Magness
Women in the United States are having fewer babies than ever before, and much later in life. Researchers found that the total number of births per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44 dropped from 62.5 per 1,000 in the first quarter of 2016 to 61.5 per 1,000 in the first quarter of 2017. That drop by one percentage point is too big a decline to happen by chance. Much of the decline seems to come voluntarily, said Alan Copperman, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “We see more and more women entering the workforce and delaying childbearing. They’re having a lower birth rate electively.” But because women are having children later in life, Dr. Copperman said it is important to focus on educating women about family planning options. That would help fight “reproductive challenges that are facing women as they try to conceive,” especially among older women, added Dr. Copperman.
- Alan Copperman, MD, Clinical Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
