PREVIEW

England and Wales Face Historic Fertility Decline, Reaching 1930s Levels. In 2023, the total fertility rate was 1.44 children per woman, the lowest since 1938. Live births fell to 591,072, marking the lowest total since 1977. Since the 1970s, the fertility rate in England and Wales has remained below two children per woman. To ensure population replacement, women need an average of 2.08 children, according to the ONS. This trend reflects global patterns, with fertility rates declining worldwide since the early 1960s. In 2022, the global fertility rate was 2.3, while the European Union stood at 1.5. Despite the low fertility rate, the number of women of childbearing age in England and Wales reached a historic high of nearly 11.9 million. ”Total fertility rates declined in 2023, a trend we have seen since 2010. The decline in fertility rates has been the most dramatic in the 20-24 and 25-29 age groups." Greg Ceely of the ONS. Professor Geeta Nargund advocates for gender equality policies to boost birth rates and support families. She urges a comprehensive government approach, including IVF support and family-friendly policies.
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