US birth rate hits new all-time low

December 04, 2014

The birth rate among women in the US, which dropped significantly during the worldwide recession, continues to fall, a new study shows.

The fertility rate in the US has dropped to an all-time low of 1.86—well below the replacement level of 2.1. The Wall Street Journal, in reporting the trend, notes that unless immigration makes up the difference, the American population will dip, with negative implications for the economy:

That means fewer workers to propel the economy and a smaller tax base to finance benefits for the elderly. The trend also promises to weigh on consumer spending….

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Baby Bust Threatens Growth (Wall Street Journal)