[Robert Urbanek]

Aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic could contribute to a population implosion, particularly in developed nations. The number of babies born in the U.S. in 2018 fell to the lowest level in 32 years. That is even lower than during the Great Depression, when economic hardship discouraged having extra mouths to feed.

The U.S., most of Europe, China and Japan, already with low birth rates, will face even lower rates as people forego children because of economic uncertainly caused by the COVID-19 Depression.

If you are not already in a relationship, strict social distancing makes dating extremely difficult, which should result in delayed marriages and even more delayed childbearing.

Furthermore, a Chinese study has found the disease may lead to male infertility, although that possibility has not been fully explored. Perhaps we are due for a surprise: More males than expected have the virus and have become sterile.