The postponement of the birth of the first child and the increase in the proportion of childless Russian women can be compensated by an increase in the number of families with 2-3 children. This is stated in the report “Basis of fertility indicators for Russian women – a new tool for studying cohort fertility in Russia”, presented at a seminar at the Higher School of Economics on October 29. RBC.
According to the report, the average age of mothers giving birth to their first child in 2022 increased to 26; While this rate was just under 25 in 2012, it was 23.5 in 2000.
Elena Churilova, a senior researcher at the International Population Laboratory and one of the authors of the report, stated that the increase in the average age of the mother at birth and the widespread intention to remain childless have caused concern among politicians. Health Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.
He emphasized that there are various suggestions to both lower the age of starting motherhood and increase the rate of first-born childbearing, and therefore it is important to take these measures in order to develop scientifically based decisions in the field of social and demographic policy. To understand the extent of impact of changes in reproductive behavior on eventual fertility rates.
The research reveals that the average age at which a mother gives birth to her first child has increased steadily since 1994, when it was historically 22.53.
The increase in the average age of birth of the first child and the rate of infertility were compensated by the increase in the rate of second and third childbearing after the age of 30. Additionally, the decline in the birth rate of first-born children before age 25 was partially offset by the increase in the birth rate of first-born children after age 25.
The authors of the study generally conclude that the revival in the birth rate and the decrease in childlessness observed in the 90s did not lead to an increase in the final birth rate, but partially compensated for the decrease in the birth rate. Birth rate of second and subsequent children.
According to Churilova, all this raises “a serious social question: Is it necessary to try to encourage women to give birth to the planned number of children as early as possible, at the age most suitable for this from a medical point of view – earlier?” 30 years.”
Previously in Russia in the name Send working women to work remotely to increase the birth rate.
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Source: Gazeta
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