Québec, April 29, 2020. – In 2019, there were an estimated 84,200 births in Québec, a slightly higher number than in 2018 (83,840). This slight increase (about 0.4%) is the first observed since 2012. These findings come from the Bulletin sociodémographique published today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec. This bulletin was released along with provisional data on births and fertility in Québec for 2019.
Number of births and total fertility rate, Québec, 1975–2019
Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Increase in births, but not in fertility
The increase in the number of births observed between 2018 and 2019 is due to an increase in the number of women of childbearing age, and not to an increase in fertility. In 2019, the total fertility rate stood at 1.58 children per woman, just below the rate observed in 2018 (1.59 children per woman).
For the second year in a row, the total fertility rate in Québec is below 1.6 children per woman. It remained above this level from 2006 to 2017, reaching a peak of 1.73 children per woman in 2008 and 2009. Since 1970, this rate has been below the replacement level of fertility (2.1 children per woman).
The decrease of the total fertility rate is linked to declining fertility rates among women under 30. Beyond this age, the increase in rates observed for several years seems to have recently given way to a certain stabilization.
Fertility increase in 11 Québec regions in 2019
In general, fertility in the Québec regions has been declining over the past decade. In 2019, however, the total fertility rate rose in 11 of Québec’s 17 administrative regions from 2018. Fertility remains highest in Nord-du-Québec (2.6 children per woman), while it is lowest in Montréal and the Capitale-Nationale (fewer than 1.5 children per woman).
The total fertility rate refers to the average number of children that a group of women would have if, throughout their reproductive years, they experienced the age-specific fertility rates of a given year.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.