How Australia has created the perfect storm for a baby drought

Abstract

<p>Population scientists, policymakers and politicians are worried about the new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing we are experiencing one of the lowest fertility rates in history. The predicted average rate is 1.6 babies for each woman, lower than the international average of 2.3.</p> <p>Why are women having fewer babies in many countries around the world? How did we get to this point in Australia, and why does it matter?</p>