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3mo ago

U.S. Fertility Rate Nears Record Low as 21 States See Natural Decline

High childbearing costs coupled with social shifts have pushed U.S. births below replacement levels, prompting proposals from free IVF to wage boosts for male workers.

Fathers hold their babies at a Fourth of July parade in 2021 in Hingham, Massachusetts. A movement to encourage people to have more children has made its way into the Trump administration's budget bill now under consideration.
A map showing the 21 states where deaths outnumbered births in 2022, according to a new report by LendingTree.

Overview

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 3.6 million births in 2024, maintaining the fertility rate at roughly 1.6 births per woman.
  • A LendingTree study found that in 2022, 21 states—including Pennsylvania, Florida, West Virginia and Michigan—recorded more deaths than births.
  • Experts point to soaring housing, childcare and healthcare expenses as key reasons Americans are delaying or forgoing parenthood.
  • Policymakers and advocates have advanced measures such as free in vitro fertilization for single women, subsidized childcare and extended parental leave.
  • Commentators propose raising wages in male-dominated sectors like construction and manufacturing to boost marriage rates and, in turn, fertility.