What are the major ways that the world has changed in the past few decades
In 1994, the average woman had about three children. Today, the fertility rate is around 2.5 children per woman. Lower fertility means improved outcomes for women, since pregnancy is accompanied by risks that multiply a woman’s chance of dying.
But fertility rates remain high in some of the poorest places in the world. In 18 countries, fertility rates stand at five children or more per woman.