In a radical change from what has happened throughout history, populations of prosperous societies are contracting rather than expanding. Delayed parenting is contributing to lower birthrates: In many countries, the rate is below what’s needed to maintain a stable population (an average of 2.1 children per woman). Births in the U.S. are currently right around [...]

Focused on education and careers, women are delaying motherhood, while modern fertility methods and improved health care are pushing up the age at which it’s possible. First-time mothers in the U.K. are now more likely to fall into the 30-34 age group than the 25-29 group, and over the past decade there has been an [...]