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US Pharm. 2012;37(9):8.
The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey reported that
50%, 32%, 31%, and 32% of native, foreign-born, naturalized, and
noncitizen females, respectively, aged 15–44 years were childless. Of
these, 71%, 48%, 30%, and 20% were aged 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, and 35–44
years, respectively; this distribution pattern held through the
preceding decade. The mean number of births per mother fell
significantly with age. Of women who gave birth in the last decade,
those aged 25–29 years had the highest average birth rate (10.3/100
women), followed by those aged 30–34 years (8.9 births/100), 35–39 years
(4.81 births/100), and 40–44 years (1.23 births/100). In 2010, 55% of
females in the workforce aged 15–44 years gave birth. Of women having
their first child, 56% of those aged 30–44 years were employed;
part-time employment and unemployment were prevalent (19%) among those
aged 20–29 years. In mothers of multiple children, unemployment was
least prevalent (5%) in those aged 30–44 years; those aged 20–24 years
had the most unemployment (13%) and part-time employment (17%).
Living Status and Education: There was a
distinct pattern in living arrangements between women aged <30 or
>30 years who gave birth in 2010. About 53% of women aged <30
years and 19% of those aged >30 years did not have a high school
diploma and did not live with their spouse/partner. Women aged <30
years who had a high school diploma were 37% more likely to be married
and living with their spouse; >85% had at least a bachelor’s degree
and were married and living with their spouse/partner. The cohabitation
rate was highest (18%) among women aged <30 years who had achieved
less than a bachelor’s degree, and lowest (4%) among those aged >30
years with at least a bachelor’s degree. Among women aged ≥30 years,
education level had no effect on living arrangements: 81% were married
and living with their spouse, and 15% were not living with their
spouse/partner.
Never-Married: The number of never-married mothers aged
15–44 years grew by 18% over the decade, for a mean increase of 4% per
year; the number of children born to this group increased by 3% per
year. In 2010, the number of children born to never-married mothers aged
25–29, 30–34, 35–39, and 40–44 years was 3.2, 2.4, 2.1, and 1.6
million, respectively, meaning 50% fewer births with age progression.
There was a slight variation in the number of children born across
maternal age groups, as well as in the number of never-married mothers.
To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.
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