What does the general fertility rate indicate?

The general fertility rate is a demographic measure that specifically quantifies the number of live births occurring among a population of women within a certain age range, typically between 15 and 49 years. This metric is crucial for understanding reproductive age dynamics and helps in assessing population growth and social structures. By focusing on women of reproductive age, the general fertility rate provides insights into fertility patterns, health care needs, and the potential for population increase within that specific segment of society.

The definition is thus concentrated on actual reproductive individuals rather than the entire population, which distinguishes it from other fertility-related metrics. This makes option B the most accurate representation of what the general fertility rate indicates.