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Alarming declines: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania hardly has any babies anymore!
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has recorded its lowest birth rate since reunification. Causes and possible solutions are discussed.
Alarming declines: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania hardly has any babies anymore!
An alarming trend in birth statistics is becoming visible in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The region is heading for the lowest number of births since the fall of communism, as n-tv.de reports. In 2024, only 9,157 children were born alive, a decrease of 5.3 percent compared to the previous year. Only once, in 1994, was the number lower. This development not only has an impact on families, but also on daycare centers and thus on the jobs of educators.
The reasons for this decline are complex and varied. Essentially, this is due to the low number of women of childbearing age, which is exacerbated by the drop in birth rates from 1990 to 1995. There is a lack of offspring, particularly in the 25 to 35 age group, where most children are traditionally born. Although the fertility rate has increased slightly - it was 1,294 children per woman in 2024, compared to 1,251 in 2023 - it still remains below the necessary self-sustainability level of 2.1 children per woman.
A look at social changes
The uncertainties surrounding family planning, triggered by economic stagnation, the corona pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, seem to unsettle many couples. The pluralization of family forms and alternative life goals come into play. In addition, longer periods of education and the shrinking influence of traditional values have a significant impact on the decision to start a family. This is also supported by wir-sind-mueritzer.de, where a continuous decline has been noted since 2016.
The number of marriages is also falling: in 2024 there were only 8,569 weddings, the lowest number since 2003, with an average age of 44.1 years for men and 41.2 years for women. This shows a trend towards later marriages, which is also related to the falling birth rate.
Long-term effects and possible solutions
The birth deficit, which has existed since 1991, is another sign of the demographic changes in the region. In 2024, the deficit was 14,770 people - a significant increase compared to 2004, when it was 4,089. Given these developments, the question arises as to how policymakers could possibly increase the birth rate. Suggestions range from flexible working hours for parents to longer opening times for daycare centers and better support for young families.
A positive discourse about family and children could help create a better environment for having children. There is hope that the growing age group of 10 to 20 year olds could increase the number of births in around ten years. But if we take a look at the further development of birth rates in Germany, we see a general decline, as the statisticians from destatis.de note. This decline is not only due to crises, but was already observed from 2017 and reflects changes in social norms.