The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Birth Counts in Selected Latin American Countries
Resumo
Many Latin American countries (LAC) had been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In this study, we use vital statistics from 2018 to 2022 in selected LACs—Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Mexico—to investigate the pandemic's impact on birth counts. We observed a decrease in birth counts, particularly pronounced among less educated and younger mothers, with Brazil as example. Conversely, Brazil and Costa Rica experienced increased birth counts among 40+ years old more educated women. Two shifts in reproductive behavior emerged: pandemic-induced uncertainties prompted delays in motherhood among less educated and younger women, while women aged 35 and older, particularly those from higher socioeconomic strata, expedited their reproductive plans. In Cuba, the COVID-19 crisis disrupted pre-pandemic reproductive trends, particularly affecting less educated mothers. In contrast, Mexico witnessed an accelerated decline in birth counts. In summary, the pandemic's influence on LACs birth counts displayed variations across socioeconomic and groups.
Membros
