Argentina birth rates decline significantly over last decade

Argentina is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a sharp decline in birth rates. National data shows that births dropped from 777,012 in 2014 to 413,135 in 2024, a reduction of approximately 46.8%. This trend is reflected in regional data, such as San Luis, where births decreased by up to 50% over the last decade.

In Bahía Blanca, the birth rate per 1,000 inhabitants fell from 15.98 in 2012 to 7.87 in 2025. The decline is driven largely by women aged 20 to 34, who account for 67% of the total reduction in births recorded between 2014 and 2024. While teenage pregnancy rates have also decreased, they do not fully explain the scale of the demographic change.

Research suggests a paradox where the desire to have children persists, but many individuals are unable to realize their family plans. Factors contributing to this trend include the postponement of motherhood, changes in life projects, increased access to contraceptives, and economic difficulties related to child-rearing. This shift is expected to impact public services and the education system, starting with kindergarten enrollment and potentially reaching secondary schools by 2030.