Birth Rates in the UK: a problem on the horizon

New figures reveal a concerning decline in the number of babies being born to British mothers

The number of babies born to British mothers has fallen by 25% over the past 15 years, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The decline is thought to be due to a number of factors, including the increasing age of mothers, the rising cost of living, and the availability of contraception.

Experts are concerned that the decline in birth rates could have a negative impact on the UK's population and economy.

"A sustained decline in the birth rate can have a number of negative consequences, including an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and a reduced tax base," said Dr. David Coleman, a demographer at the ONS.

The decline in birth rates is not unique to the UK. Birth rates are also falling in other developed countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

However, the decline in the UK is more pronounced than in other countries.

The ONS figures show that the number of babies born to British mothers fell from 690,000 in 2002 to 517,000 in 2017.

This represents a decline of 25%.

The decline in birth rates is particularly pronounced among younger mothers.

The number of babies born to mothers under the age of 25 fell by 37% between 2002 and 2017.

This is thought to be due to the increasing age of mothers.

The average age of mothers in the UK is now 30.1 years, up from 27.9 years in 2002.

The rising cost of living is also thought to be a factor in the decline in birth rates.

The cost of raising a child in the UK has risen by 25% over the past 15 years.

This has made it more difficult for couples to afford to have children.

The availability of contraception is also thought to be a factor in the decline in birth rates.

Contraception has become more widely available and more effective in recent years.

This has made it easier for couples to control their fertility.

The decline in birth rates is a complex issue with a number of contributing factors.

It is important to understand the causes of the decline in order to develop policies to address it.