Birth rate in Belgium continues to fall as delays lead to involuntary childlessness

Two thirds of Belgian women who have not had children by the age of 35 will remain childless, according to an as yet unpublished analysis by a University of Antwerp demographer reported by De Standaard. ​

In 2023 Belgium recorded 110,198 births, the lowest number since 1942. It was the second year in a row that more people died than were born. Preliminary figures for 2024 suggest an even lower birth rate than in 2023. ​

The reason is clear: Belgians are having children later in life. Since 2009, the likelihood of women having a child in their 20s has fallen significantly. Fifteen years ago, 55 per cent of women had at least one child by the age of 30. By 2022, this figure had fallen to 35 per cent. Over the same period, the average age at which women have their first child has risen from 28 to 30. ​

Biological and social limits

The likelihood of giving birth for the first time after the age of 30 increased until around 2010-2012. However, this trend has stagnated in the last 10 to 15 years. This pattern can be observed in many European countries. Women in their 30s are reaching a biological and social limit. ​

According to researcher Karel Neels, who carried out the analysis, the postponement of childbearing is leading to an increase in involuntary childlessness. "Based on the latest data and trends, we expect that 35 to 40 per cent of women who delay childbearing until the age of 30 will remain childless."

For those who wait until 35, this figure rises to 65 per cent, the analysis shows. "In these age groups, postponement often leads to permanent childlessness. And even if they do have a first child, a second or third is unlikely." When women have several children at a later age, they tend to have them in quick succession. ​

"Based on the latest data and trends, we expect that 35 to 40 per cent of women who delay childbearing until the age of 30 will remain childless"

The decline in births is more pronounced in Brussels and Wallonia than in Flanders. In the Flemish region, forecasts actually point to an increase in births. In 2023, there were approximately 63,000 births and in 2050 this number is expected to reach 70,000. ​

Birth rates are falling around the world. In the course of this century, almost every country will experience significant demographic changes as a result of falling birth rates. Currently, about half of all countries are not having enough children to maintain their population size. By 2050, this is expected to rise to three-quarters of all countries, and to 97 per cent by 2100.

 

#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM


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