Regional trends in births during the COVID-19 crisis in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain
Keyword(s):
At Risk
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Early evidence shows mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on births in Europe. This study examines changes in births at the regional level in the four European countries that have been affected by the pandemic earlier and to a larger extent. It is also investigated the association between birth changes and some labour market characteristics, the pandemic impact in terms of COVID-deaths, and the share of population at risk of poverty. Results show considerable within-country heterogeneity in birth changes after the pandemic and that higher share of poverty, worse labour market performance, and higher excess mortality are associated with births decline.