Argentina’s birth rate has plummeted by nearly 40% in the last decade, reaching its lowest level in more than 50 years, with 460,902 births in 2023—a drop of 41% since 2014. Factors such as economic pressure, evolving family dynamics, and the legalization of abortion are exacerbating this trend, potentially leading to a significant aging population and challenges for various sectors.
Argentina is experiencing a significant demographic shift, as seen in its declining birth rate which has dipped by nearly 40% over the past decade. According to data recently released by the Ministry of Health, the country recorded 460,902 births in 2023, a decrease of 7% from the year prior and a staggering 41% drop since 2014, when birth rates peaked at 777,012 births.
In 2023, the country’s crude birth rate reached a historic low of 9.9 births per 1,000 inhabitants, aligning Argentina’s situation more closely with that of many European nations. A comprehensive report from Austral University highlights that the fertility rate now stands at just 1.4 children per woman—well below the rate necessary for generational replacement. Without interventions to reverse this trend, the nation may face a significant decrease in overall population numbers and increased aging.
The demographic analysis shows evolving family structures; households without children under 18 years surged from 44% in 1991 to 57% in 2022. Additionally, the prevalence of single-person households increased significantly during that same time, jumping from 13% to 25%, alongside a rise in single-parent households, predominantly led by women.
President Javier Milei has publicly voiced his concerns regarding the birth rate decline, attributing it primarily to the legalization of abortion in 2020 along with other progressive policies. During his campaign, he suggested plans to repeal the abortion law and even consider a referendum, although this topic has yet to make it onto his administration’s official agenda. Presently, in an attempt to minimize public expenditure, the Milei government has curtailed the distribution of contraceptives and dismantled sexual health programs, shifting these responsibilities to provincial jurisdictions.
In a contrast to falling birth rates, the legal interruptions of pregnancy (IVE/ILE) have notably surged—from 73,000 in 2021 to over 107,000 in 2023. Experts predict rising statistics for the coming years, in 2024 and 2025. While Milei emphasizes abortion as a driving cause of the birth rate drop, many specialists acknowledge a more complex interplay of sociocultural and economic factors contributing to this trend.
Inflation, job instability, and a high cost of living are significant barriers pushing couples to delay or altogether sidestep parenthood. Currently, the average age of first-time parents is surging to the 30-34 age bracket, suggesting a societal shift towards prioritizing education, career paths, and personal growth over starting families.
Furthermore, a significant decline in births has been observed among mothers with lower educational attainment—down a staggering 77% since 2005. In contrast, mothers with higher levels of education experienced more moderate decreases, at about 13% and 7%, respectively. Research by the consulting firm Sentimientos Públicos found that roughly 20% of individuals under 30 do not wish to have children, focusing instead on other life pursuits. This figure is lower among millennials, where only 11% express disinterest in parenthood, with 10% citing economic constraints.
The sharp, prolonged decline in both birth and fertility rates highlights major demographic transformations that Argentina faces. For instance, the population aging index has surged from 29 in 1991 to approximately 60.55 by 2025, and the share of people over 85 years old has doubled in just two decades. These profound changes present significant challenges for healthcare, education, the pension system, and, quite frankly, the overall economy as well.
Argentina’s plummeting birth rate reveals ongoing demographic changes that pose substantial challenges ahead. Coupled with economic and social issues, this decline in fertility rates beckons for careful policy consideration and systemic response. As the country braces for an aging population and fewer young residents, addressing the multifaceted causes behind these trends will be crucial for sustainable development and economic stability.
Original Source: www.upi.com
