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.