The Foundation for Applied Economic Studies (Fedea) warns that «the suspension of reproductive treatments», among other factors, may cause a further reduction in this index.
In the 1970s, the fertility rate in Spain was 2.8 children per woman. Since then, it has been falling until it is now at 1.23, a huge difference. This is what is stated in un reciente estudio publicado por la Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada (Fedea). De hecho, el número de nacimientos en España ha caído un 27,3 % en la última década, confirmando la crisis demográfica que vivimos desde finales de los 60, cuando se registraron los últimos picos altos de natalidad.
It is true that citizens’ preferences change over time, but major differences can be observed in countries with a similar level of development. For example, Belgium, Germany and France have fertility rates close to or above 1.6 children per woman. Or Portugal, which has seen its rate go from 1.21 children in 2013 to 1.42 in 2019, a rapid upward trend.
According to Fedea experts, “the economy and job insecurity among young people can make the difference between countries with similar cultures and similar levels of development. The economies with the lowest youth unemployment rate, which promote equality, emancipation and education with social assistance, are those with fertility rates closer to two children per woman: Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland or Germany.”
This entity also warns that «the suspension of reproductive treatments» due to the Covid pandemic, among other factors, can cause a further reduction in fertility. In this regard, it should be remembered that despite the current circumstances, there is consensus among fertility experts: the pandemic should not be a reason to delay your fertility treatment. If a woman wants to be a mother, the wait should not be prolonged. Especially for three groups of patients:
- Women with low ovarian reserve or diseases that reduce the quality of oocytes, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Women over 35 years old.
- Cancer patients intending to preserve fertility through oocyte cryopreservation.
As the SEF (Spanish Fertility Society) acknowledges, the coronavirus does not endanger the health of the mother or the baby.