What does the general fertility rate help assess in a population?

The general fertility rate specifically measures the number of live births in a given population during a specific time period, usually expressed per 1,000 women of childbearing age (typically ages 15-49). By focusing on this demographic, the rate provides insight into the reproductive success of women within that age range. It helps to capture how many children women are having, allowing researchers and policymakers to assess aspects such as family planning effectiveness, cultural fertility norms, and potential future population growth.

In contrast, the other options either assess different aspects of population health or relate to broader socio-economic variables that are not directly measured by this rate. While infant health, contraception use, and economic conditions can certainly influence fertility rates, they fall outside the direct scope of what the general fertility rate itself is designed to measure. The correctness of focusing on women's reproductive success reflects the rate's utility as a demographic indicator in understanding population dynamics.