Part 3/9:
The fertility decline is not unique to Australia but is a widespread trend across the developed world. In fact, many nations are experiencing very low birth rates. The only exceptions are a few regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, where high birth rates persist due to lower access to contraception and a pressing need to regenerate populations amidst higher mortality rates; and Israel, which maintains higher fertility levels driven by cultural and religious imperatives to sustain population growth.
In contrast, developed countries are grappling with the consequences of sustained below-replacement fertility levels. This decline, often framed as a matter of personal choice or socio-economic factors, has profound implications for economies, social services, and national security.