Are you ever too old to have a baby? - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

The Global Story explores the growing trend of older motherhood, with women increasingly having children later in life due to economic, social, and cultural factors. Experts discuss the impact of delayed childbearing on fertility, the role of medical advancements like IVF and egg freezing, and the broader societal consequences, including population decline and an aging workforce. The episode also examines government responses to fertility issues, such as financial incentives and work-life balance policies, and reflects on the changing narratives around motherhood and family life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women are having babies later in life, with many choosing to have children in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s and 70s.
• 😀 Fertility starts to decline significantly for women around the age of 35, although IVF treatments and egg freezing offer solutions for later pregnancies.
• 😀 Global average age for having the first child has increased, with women now commonly having children in their 30s.
• 😀 Education and urbanization are key factors influencing later childbirth, especially in developed countries.
• 😀 In some regions like China, women are still limiting family size due to economic factors despite changes in policies like the one-child policy.
• 😀 Education for women, urbanization, and better access to contraception are causing fertility rates to decline in Africa, although they are still higher compared to the rest of the world.
• 😀 Concerns about climate change and environmental impact are influencing younger generations' decisions not to have children.
• 😀 The increasing age of mothers is contributing to population decline, which poses challenges for pension systems and workforce sustainability in many countries.
• 😀 Government efforts to boost fertility rates, such as financial incentives, have had limited success in countries like South Korea and Russia.
• 😀 Countries like the Nordic nations have implemented successful family-friendly policies, such as paternity leave, but results have been mixed in terms of long-term fertility rate improvements.

Q & A

What is meant by 'older mums' in the context of the discussion?

In the context of the discussion, 'older mums' refers to women who are having children later in life, typically in their 30s, 40s, and even beyond. The term used to be associated with women over 35, sometimes referred to as 'geriatric mothers,' though this term is increasingly avoided as the societal norms around the age of motherhood have changed.

How has the average age of first-time mothers changed globally?

Globally, the average age of women having their first child has increased over time. Sixty years ago, it was around 22 years old, but now it is about 28 years old. In some developed countries, women are choosing to have children even later due to various social, economic, and cultural factors.

What are some reasons why women are choosing to have children later in life?

Women are choosing to have children later for various reasons, including economic factors (such as the cost of living, education, and career goals), the desire to establish their careers and achieve financial stability, and cultural shifts that make delayed childbearing more acceptable.

How do social and economic factors impact fertility decisions in different parts of the world?

Economic factors, such as the high cost of living and education, play a significant role in delaying childbirth, particularly in urban areas. In countries like China, the decision not to have more children can be driven by economic concerns, while in other regions, access to education, contraception, and urbanization influence the timing of parenthood.

What role does education play in fertility rates, especially in Africa?

In Africa, the education of girls and women is strongly correlated with later childbearing. The longer women stay in school, the later they tend to have children. Additionally, urbanization and improved access to contraception are contributing to a decrease in fertility rates across the continent.

How does environmental concern affect decisions about having children?

Environmental concerns, particularly around climate change and overpopulation, have led some younger people, especially in Western countries, to decide against having children. However, this remains a niche issue, and its impact on overall fertility rates is still unclear, as many young people are not yet at childbearing age.

What are the potential consequences of later childbearing on population growth?

Delayed childbearing contributes to lower fertility rates, which can lead to population decline. This trend raises concerns about a shrinking workforce, which could place a strain on pension systems, healthcare, and the ability to care for an aging population.

What are some government policies aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, and have they been effective?

Some governments, particularly in countries like South Korea and Russia, have implemented financial incentives, such as one-time payments for children, to encourage higher birth rates. However, these policies have had limited success, and the fertility rates in these countries have not significantly increased as a result.

How does the Nordic model of family support influence fertility rates?

The Nordic model, which includes comprehensive policies such as paid parental leave, childcare support, and flexible work schedules for parents, has shown positive effects on fertility rates in the short term. However, the impact tends to level off over time, and while it creates a supportive environment for parents, it does not fully solve the issue of declining birth rates.

What role does reproductive technology, such as IVF and egg freezing, play in later childbearing?

Reproductive technologies like IVF and egg freezing have made it possible for women to have children later in life. Egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility by storing eggs at a younger age, and IVF treatments provide options for women who are older or facing fertility issues. While these technologies offer hope, they are not foolproof, and there are still health risks associated with later pregnancies.