Some families are welcoming new life, and hope, during a difficult time. When the pandemic restrictions began, and many couples found themselves staying home indefinitely, commentators were quick to predict a “coronavirus baby boom.” But nearly a year later, it’s turned out to be a “baby bust” instead.
Fertility rates are at their lowest point in decades, and continuing to fall. Forbes reports,
Far from surging, fertility in the United States – which recently hit a 35-year low – is actually dropping like a stone as we continue to hunker down.
The Brookings Institution has estimated that the U.S. birth rate will decline by another 7-10% next year, which amounts to about 300,000 to 500,000 fewer births. And a Guttmacher Institute survey found that 34% of women said they wanted to get pregnant later or wanted fewer children because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “jaw-dropping” global fertility crash is predicted to be very problematic in the long term. 23 nations will see their populations halve by 2100, while many countries will age dramatically, with as many people turning 80 as there are being born.
Even as so many couples are choosing to delay or forego having a child, there are others preparing to welcome new babies. Why are these couples opting to welcome a new life in difficult circumstances?
Let’s hear right from the source! Aleteia spoke to 12 pregnant women about why they were open to conceiving during the pandemic.
Pope Francis recently wrote in a tweet, “Today I would like to thank all new mothers who confront understandable fears. Thank you, as well, to those who affectionately and competently support them. The children born during this time of the coronavirus are a sign of great hope.”
We hope that these stories of 12 couples who are expecting babies during the pandemic will bring hope to you, as well!
Read more:
3 Great things about being pregnant at a time of quarantine
