U.S. Fertility Rates Continue to Decline

This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/u-s-fertility-rates-continue-to-decline/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released new data confirming the current fertility crisis in the US. In 2024, the general fertility rate decreased to an all-time low of 1.59 babies per woman. This is now a decades-long trend of America falling below the average replacement rate of 2.1 babies per woman. Scholars from the Institute for Family Studies suggest that simultaneous falling marriage rates may be the cause.

Falling marriage and fertility rates are the direct result of a culture that places little value on the natural family. Social science researchers agree that investing in others, which for many is accomplished through marriage and parenthood, is the key to fulfillment. Our society needs to accept this truth, recognizing the good of marriage and childbirth. We dismiss it to our peril.