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Low Birthrates Causing European Pension Funds to Run Out

BAD FÜSSING, Germany, July 4, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a June 25 New York Times article Richard Berstein reports on the ominous drain on European pension funds resulting from the wealthy, comfortable continent's low birth rates.

The new demographics of an increasingly older population "has produced political
uncertainty and crowds of angry demonstrators" says Berstein, in reaction to the resulting necessary reductions in social services.

A study by demographer William Frey, from Washington's Brookings Institution, predicts that the median age in the United States in 2050 will be 35.4, only a very slight increase from what it is now. In Europe, however, it is expected to rise to 52.3 from 37.7.

This "stunning difference," in demographics between Europe and the United States is likely to ensure that American power will continue to grow relative to Europe's. As well, Europe will also decline relative to many other parts of the world with healthy population growth levels. Frey told the Times "the European countries are ageing in a world that is becoming younger…And in a global economy, they're not going to share in the energy and vitality that comes with a younger population."

The article notes that there are currently two working people for every retired European and it is expected that by 2035 every worker will support one retired person."

Pro-life, pro-family advocates have been warning about the serious consequences of contraceptive/abortion cultures which inevitably result in major demographic imbalance, financial crises and eventually a push for euthanasia to deal with the "problem" of too many vulnerable aged persons who require more help than is available. It is no wonder that euthanasia is already more advanced in Europe than anywhere else in the world.

See the new York times article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/29/international/europe/29AGIN.html?ex=1057942274...

See special Atlantic Monthly report:
The long gray wave of Baby Boomers retiring could lead to an all-engulfing economic crisis
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96may/aging/aging.htm

See past LifeSite reports on ageing issue:
Ageing Demographics Begins Causing problems
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/1999/jul/99071404.html
Low Birthrates Endanger Civilization
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/1999/jan/99010803.html
Ageing and Population decline To Hurt Industrial Countries in 2010
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2001/jan/01012603.html

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