How are fertility rates affected by infant mortality rates?

Fertility rates are often inversely related to infant mortality rates; when infant mortality rates are high, families may choose to have more children to ensure that some survive to adulthood. Conversely, in societies where infant mortality rates are low, families may opt for fewer children, as the likelihood of their survival increases. Additionally, improved healthcare and living conditions that reduce infant mortality can lead to a decline in fertility rates as parents feel more secure in the survival of their offspring. This dynamic reflects broader social and economic changes that accompany shifts in both fertility and mortality rates.