The experience of having a child can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. However, even though there are many childbirths each year, there has been a significant decrease in that amount over the past several years. Many reasons may include lack of financial stability, shifted focus on career goals, or even a simple fear of having to potentially file for divorce and obtain child support.
Statistics Showing Decrease in Birth Rates
The birth rate has reached a historic low in the state of California, mostly due to the decision by a large number of millennials to put off parenthood to establish a career and to obtain an education.
In 2016, California’s birth rate was 12.42 births per 1,000 population. This is a difference, even in 2010, when California’s birth rate was 13.69 births per 1,000 population. Research has also shown that young families are starting to put off having children until the ages of 30 to 34. However, many of these young couples are experiencing a much more difficult time conceiving.
Two years ago, in 2016, Santa Clara County had an estimated 23,300 births. Alameda County had approximately 19,600 births, while Contra Costa County had nearly 12,600 births. San Mateo and San Francisco Counties had an estimated 9,000 births for each county.
Women with their Masters or Doctorate degrees will often have her first child around the age of 31 years old, while women with only a high school diploma will likely have her first child by the age of 22 years old. Women with their Bachelor’s degree will often have her first child by the age of 29 years old.
Millennials, who are born between the late 1980’s and 2000, have been very well-known to put off marriage and starting their own families until much later in life. This age group is likely to spend more time in school and taking more time to define their careers. The fear of potentially filing for divorce may also be a factor in the decision to put off having children.
Call a Santa Clara County Child Support Attorney
If you have any questions regarding your child support case, you can rely on Dominion Law Group, LLP to further assist you. For over 28 years, our experienced San Jose child support lawyers have assisted our clients in various family law and divorce matters, and we are ready to assist you with your case. For a free initial consultation, please give us a call at 408-288-5592 to get the help you deserve.
Source:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/21/california-birth-rate-falls-to-an-all-time-low/
