Babies R' Us?

Economic downturn reduce birth rates. According to the Population Reference Bureau, The Great Depression and the deep recession of the 1970s both saw declines in the numbers of babies born. It may be too early to say whether our current recession will have a similar impact, but considering the of the economy, it may have already begun to influence people's fertility choices. 

Snip Snap
Whats the last thing a guy wants to hear when his 401k has been chopped down to a 201k and his job, along with his with his family's health coverage is on a clif? That his wife is pregnant, with twins. As a result, urologists are noticing an increase in the number of vasectomy consults since November 2008. Many of them due to the fact they don't have the long-term financial security and can't afford to have any more children in this economy. 

Supplemental Income
As the economy worsens, young women are being increasingly drawn to egg donation as a way to make extra money. The average healthy donor in her 20s can expect to be paid $7,000 and $10,000 per donation. The center for Egg Options in Northbrook, Ill., has seen a 30 percent increase in donations over the past year, with some donors coming back up to four times! 

Design-A-Baby
Fertility businesses are seeking creative ways to boost revenue. The LA Fertility Institute had to back off its recent announcement that it planned to offer prospective parents "trait selection" after public denunciation convinced it of the idea's "negative societal impacts." However, the clinic will continue offering sex selection to paying customers.