Argentina reported 460,902 births in 2023, continuing a two-decade decline in fertility, reflecting global trends. With birth rates now similar to those in Western Europe and some Latin American countries, experts highlight the need for policies enhancing women’s opportunities while addressing challenges of an ageing population. The focus should shift toward boosting productivity rather than merely increasing birth rates.
In 2023, Argentina’s Health Ministry revealed that approximately 460,902 babies were born nationwide, highlighting a continued decline in birth rates for nearly two decades. Comparatively, the number of live births in 2022 was 495,295, marking a 6.5 percent decrease from 2021. The analysis shows a seven percent drop in births from 2022 to 2023, reflecting a larger trend of declining fertility rates.
This demographic change is primarily attributed to a global decrease in fertility rates, dropping from an average of 2.42 children per mother in 2008 to 1.36 today—a significant decline of 43 percent over 15 years. Historically, prior to the French Revolution, families averaged around seven children per mother. As the 19th century progressed, fertility rates began to decrease steadily across developed nations, with today’s low rates being particularly evident outside the poorest regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Rafael Rofman, a demographic scholar at CIPPEC, commented on the data’s implications. He noted, “As was to be expected, they show a continued drop, around seven percent, from the 2022 numbers.” He emphasized the need for careful analysis to harness opportunities with the changing population trends without inducing panic.
Argentina’s fertility rates are now comparable to those seen in many Western European and other Latin American countries. The decline is notably sharper among adolescents, showing a ten percent drop in 2023, leading to a cumulative decrease of 66 percent over the last decade. Dr. Rofman highlighted that these pregnancies are often unintended, causing difficulties for young women pursuing education or careers, and preventing these situations is beneficial for both women and society.
Moreover, the decline in births is primarily affecting less educated women, with a staggering 67 percent drop in this demographic since 2014, compared to a 28 percent decline among highly educated women. Notably, the decline for undereducated adolescents has exceeded 80 percent, indicating better opportunities for women to pursue education and employment.
While the declining birth rate may suggest an ageing population in the long run, Dr. Rofman forecasts that Argentina’s population will continue to grow, potentially reaching 45 to 50 million over the next 50 years. He stated, “That would be an extremely long-term and improbable scenario if we can work to facilitate life for those who want to have children.”
Addressing potential concerns about workforce productivity, Dr. Rofman emphasized the necessity for improved public policies that support parental leave, childcare, and access to quality education. He stated that Argentina’s greatest challenge is to enhance productivity rather than merely increasing birth rates.
Scholars cited the global trend of declining birth rates, as reflected in data from the CEPAL (United Nations Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean). Notably, Argentina and Chile currently exhibit the lowest birth rates in Latin America. Experts advocate for more focused research into the causes underlying these trends to inform effective state policies going forward.
The decline in Argentina’s birth rate, while alarming on the surface, is consistent with global trends and should not incite panic. Rather, it presents both challenges and opportunities; particularly for enhancing societal support structures for women and rethinking policies on education and pensions as the population ages. Emphasizing productivity over sheer population growth stands out as a critical pathway for national development amidst changing demographics.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
