Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Replacement level fertility is the total fertility rate needed for a population to replace itself without any increase or decrease. It is typically slightly above two children per woman.
The total fertility rate refers to the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime, given current birth rates.
Population growth: Population growth refers to an increase in the number of individuals living in an area over time.
Family planning: Family planning involves making decisions about when and how many children to have, using contraception methods and other reproductive health services.