The Pandemic Baby Bust and the Acceleration of Population Decline

As much of the world shut down in favour of "14-days to flatten the curve," many predictions were given that 9 months later, our hospitals would reach capacity in a different way—from a shut-down inspired baby-boom. The logic went that more time stuck inside with significant others would result in a much-needed influx of children being born. The numbers are in, and sadly the predicted baby boom has been a complete and devastating bust.

As much of the world shut down in favour of "14-days to flatten the curve," many predictions were given that 9 months later, our hospitals would reach capacity in a different way—from a shut-down inspired baby-boom. The logic went that more time stuck inside with significant others would result in a much-needed influx of children being born. The numbers are in, and sadly the predicted baby boom has been a complete and devastating bust.