In recent decades, a growing number of individuals have chosen to marry and start families in their thirties rather than in their twenties. In my opinion, this trend is neither wholly beneficial nor entirely detrimental, as it offers financial and emotional advantages while also giving rise to potential health problems.
On the positive side, postponing marriage and parenthood enables people to build financial security. This is because when people reach their thirties, they usually have established careers and stable incomes to meet the needs of their families and children. In a family, having a solid financial foundation means being able to provide its members with a higher standard of living, such as better education, healthcare and overall well-being. Another related benefit is that, from a social standpoint, delayed marriages could lead to a reduction in divorce rates. The reason for this is that as people age, they often become psychologically mature and tolerant, making them less susceptible to marital conflicts and divorce.
However, delaying childbirth is not without risks. From a medical perspective, conceiving in one’s thirties, due to the declining quality of eggs, increases the risk of health complications for the baby. According to the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, increased maternal age is strongly associated with certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome. Since medical termination is prohibited in many countries, the birth of babies with serious medical conditions may place a significant burden on both the children and their families. Furthermore, mothers are also at a higher risk of developing pregnancy-related issues in their thirties than at a younger age. They may experience gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or obstructed labour, all of which are life-threatening conditions.
In conclusion, marrying and having children at an older age bring about greater financial and emotional preparedness, yet it also poses medical concerns for both mothers and children. As this is not an entirely flawless development, individuals should make family planning decisions by considering multiple factors.