(Wall Street Journal) – Social and economic challenges have prompted some women to forgo or delay having children

Births in America hovered near record-low rates last year. More than 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2024—a less than 1% advance from the year prior, according to federal data released Wednesday. The total fertility rate was around 1.63 births per woman in 2024, slightly higher than a record-low rate recorded in 2023 but far below the rate needed for a generation to replace itself.

The latest snapshot of U.S. births and fertility rates reflect a continuing trend as Americans contend with a confluence of economic and social challenges, pushing some women and families to forgo or delay having children. (Read More)