For years now, fertility rates in Australia have been dropping.

Access to cheap contraception, along with better education and career prospects meant women started having babies a little later in life - and fewer of them. 

But now there are new reasons. Experts believe the most recent decline in the fertility rate is also a bellwether of unique contemporary challenges facing young workers. 

Today, senior economics writer Matt Wade on whether young people are being forced to choose between having homes and having children.

For years now, fertility rates in Australia have been dropping.
Access to cheap contraception, along with better education and career prospects meant women started having babies a little later in life - and fewer of them. 
But now there are new reasons. Experts believe the most recent decline in the fertility rate is also a bellwether of unique contemporary challenges facing young workers. 
Today, senior economics writer <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/by/matt-wade-hvejy">Matt Wade</a> on whether young people are being forced to choose between having homes and having children.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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