Why has the human population increased so much in the last few centuries, although we actually invented effective birth control methods?

Question

Why has the human population increased so much in the last few centuries, although we actually invented effective birth control methods?

In: 211

Answer 1

Birth control being invented and having access to it are 2 different things. Even the ability to afford it is a barrier to use. Some countries simply have none available, or having a large family is necessary to help even parents retire. Not all countries have a social safety net.

As others have said, even if it was available, a couple having 3-4 kids increases the population. Living longer increases the population if more babies are being born than seniors dieing.