The U.S. fertility rate has steadily been declining over the last decade by new data from the CDC shows a slight increase in 2024. . According to preliminary data, the number of births in the U.S. rose to approximately 3.6 million last year, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. This slight uptick in fertility is a welcome reversal of the downward trend observed over the past decade, where birth rates had steadily declined.
Experts believe this rise may be due to a combination of factors, including improving economic conditions, changes in societal attitudes toward family planning, and recent policy initiatives aimed at supporting working parents. For instance, government-backed child tax credits, paid family leave, and access to affordable childcare may have contributed to the increase, as these measures make it easier for families to balance work and raising children. While the increase remains modest, it is seen as a hopeful sign that younger generations are becoming more confident in starting families despite the challenges posed by the economic environment and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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