Birth Control: Contraception, Health, and Safety
There is a clear connection between reproductive patterns and the risk of death for both mother and child. Maternal mortality and infant death rates are significantly higher for girls under 15 compared to women having children in their early 20s. The risk also increases for women over 35.
The lowest maternal and infant mortality rates occur during the second and third births. Older mothers also face a higher chance of congenital abnormalities like Down syndrome.
Patterns of sexual abstinence and birth control, which focus childbearing between ages 20 and 35 and limit family size to two or three children, play a crucial role in public health.
However, it is important to recognize that human reproductive patterns have evolved over millions of years. Delaying childbearing until the late 20s or 30s can raise the risk of certain diseases. For example, breast cancer is more common in women who have their first child at 30 or older.
“There is a marked relationship between patterns of reproduction and the risk of death to the mother and her child.”
“Patterns of sexual abstinence and birth control, which concentrate childbearing about ages 20–35 and limit family size to two or three children, have a direct impact on public health.”
“Breast cancer is more common in women who postpone the first birth until age 30 or later.”
Author’s Summary
Optimizing the timing and number of pregnancies through birth control significantly affects maternal and infant health risks while balancing evolutionary reproductive factors.