Following Milei's comments on abortion, specialists point out: The fall in births comes from 2015

Javier Milei’s comments linking voluntary interruption of pregnancy (IVE) to the decline in births have reignited discussions about demographic trends and their implications for Argentina’s pension system. According to demographer Leandro González, the drop in birth rates has been ongoing since 2015, long before the legalization of IVE in 2021. While Milei suggested a connection between abortion access and reduced workforce numbers, González emphasized that current data does not support such a direct link. The discussion unfolded during an interview with Punto a Punto Radio, where González noted the lack of recent statistics makes it difficult to quantify the role of abortions in the declining birth rate. He stated that there are no reliable figures to determine how much influence IVE might have on the overall trend. The demographer argued that the reduction in births is part of broader societal changes affecting younger generations. González pointed to cultural and social transformations as key factors behind the demographic shift. These include increased educational opportunities, greater availability of contraceptive methods, and evolving attitudes toward parenthood. He explained that young people aged 20–30, who traditionally had children earlier, now have different expectations and are delaying family life. This change in behavior contributes significantly to the sustained decline in birth rates over the past several years. Beyond the causes, González acknowledged that the demographic shift will affect the pension system. With fewer young people entering the workforce compared to the growing number of retirees, future financial pressures could mount. However, he stressed that there is still time to address these challenges through gradual reforms. He highlighted a window of opportunity, roughly 10 to 15 years, to implement structural changes before the demographic imbalance becomes more severe. González proposed that this period should be used to explore reforms based on available data. He suggested considering adjustments to retirement ages for those who wish to continue working, allowing them to contribute longer. Yet, he placed particular emphasis on reducing youth unemployment and increasing formal employment among young people. He argued that starting work formally can help offset the effects of lower birth rates, providing economic stability and contributing to the pension system. In addition to workforce participation, González expressed cautious optimism about potential recovery in birth rates. While acknowledging the current downward trend, he did not rule out the possibility of stabilization or even growth in the future. His focus remained on addressing immediate concerns while preparing for long-term demographic shifts. The debate highlights the complexity of linking specific policies to broad demographic patterns. While Milei’s remarks sparked controversy, experts like González stress the need for nuanced analysis. They argue that understanding the multifaceted nature of population trends requires looking beyond single variables and considering the broader social and economic context. As discussions continue, the challenge lies in developing strategies that balance individual rights with systemic sustainability.