Australia’s fertility rate during the baby boom years were remarkably higher than it is today. The peak of this rate was 3.55 babies per women in 1961.

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the total fertility rate fell sharply after the contraceptive pill became available in 1961. The fertility rate had a steep decline  after the pill was put on the PBS Scheme just over a decade later.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has stated that “a total fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman ensures a broadly stable population.” This number is considered a replacement level.

According to Professor Amanda Davies, Australia’s national total fertility rate is 1.6 children per female of which the age they can have children.

“World or a global sense we certainly can reflect on the declining fertility rate as quite an achievement of humanity”, she commented.

Image: Image: Shutterstock: Natali _ Mis

Produced By: Alana Su-Navratil

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 1 May 2024