Colombia | The Decline in Birth Rates: Social Progress or Future Risk?

Summary

Birth rates in Colombia have dropped to 1.6 children per woman, accelerating aging. This pressures pension and healthcare systems. Encouraging births without improving labor and care conditions is ineffective. Public policy must adjust with reforms to ensure sustainability and well-being.

Key points

• Key points:
• Colombia's fertility rate dropped from 2.5 children per woman in 2000 to 1.6 in 2024, reflecting progress in gender equality, education, and female workforce participation.
• Population aging is reshaping the demographic pyramid, creating long-term economic and social challenges.
• A pension system reliant on young contributors and rising healthcare costs due to chronic diseases threaten fiscal sustainability.
• Encouraging births without improving labor and care conditions is inefficient, as reproductive choices are linked to rights and opportunities.
• Public policy should focus on pension, healthcare, and labor market reforms to manage aging and ensure economic stability and social well-being.

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