The phrase “biological clock” is often treated as a medical fact. In reality, it entered popular culture through a 1978 newspaper article during a period of major social change, as women began entering universities and workplaces in greater numbers.
This episode examines what science actually says about fertility: age-related decline exists, but it varies widely between individuals and is difficult to measure precisely due to ethical and methodological limits in research. Much of the evidence comes from observational and clinical cohorts rather than broad representative populations.
At the same time, global data shows the age of first-time motherhood rising across many countries, with more women choosing delayed parenthood or remaining child-free.
The episode separates biology from cultural messaging — and shows how one became simplified into a single ticking deadline.
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