Which of the following best defines stage three of the demographic transition model?

Stage three of the demographic transition model is characterized by declining birth rates as urbanization increases. During this stage, societies typically experience improvements in healthcare, education, and economic conditions, which contribute to a shift in family planning and fertility rates. Urbanization often leads to changes in lifestyle, with families choosing to have fewer children due to factors such as the increased cost of living, greater access to education and employment opportunities, and a shift in values regarding family size.

In this stage, while the death rates remain relatively low and stable, the significant decline in birth rates distinguishes this stage from earlier periods where both birth and death rates were high. The focus on reduced birth rates reflects how exposure to urban environments and modern societal norms can influence reproductive choices, indicating a transition towards a more mature demographic profile.