According to a recent article by Newsweek, birthrates have declined in the U.S. for every age group. This fluctuation has occurred across decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, birthrates rose steadily. However, after 2008, birthrates declined sharply. This is not only happening in the U.S. but also seen around the world. Over the next three decades according to the Congressional Budget Office, fertility rates will average 1.6 births per woman. To maintain a stable population without immigration, the replacement should be 2.1 births per women.

In 1975, women between the ages of 50 to 54 did not have babies. For comparison, in 2024, women of the same age group had 159 babies. Furthermore, since 1975, teen pregnancies have declined drastically. Unfortunately, lower birth rates in combination with the elderly population living longer means that eventually the number of elderly, dependent people will be higher than the number of working-age people. Could major economies be heading towards a collapse in population? There has been a focus on public health policies and financial plans. The financial crisis of 2008 was considered a major contributor to why people delayed having children. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the Congressional Budget Office, over the next three decades, fertility rates will average how many births per woman? Briefly explain.
  2. How does the decline in birth rates affect long-term economic growth, workforce sustainability, and the funding of government programs such as pensions and social security?