The U.S. fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.599 children per woman in 2024, according to newly released CDC data — well below the 2.1 replacement level. Once an outlier among developed nations, America now aligns with European countries experiencing similar demographic shifts.
The fertility rate in the U.S. dropped to an all-time low in 2024 with less than 1.6 kids per woman, new federal data released Thursday shows.
— ABC News (@ABC) July 24, 2025
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Experts cite long-term trends, including delayed childbearing and rising childlessness, for the decline. In response, the Trump administration has pushed pro-natalist policies. A February executive order aimed to make in vitro fertilization more accessible, and officials have floated "baby bonuses" to incentivize births.
“In vitro treatments have become unaffordable for many Americans,” noted White House staff secretary Will Scharf. IVF often exceeds tens of thousands in cost, with no mandate for insurance coverage.
Still, some experts urge calm. “This is part of an ongoing process of fertility delay,” said Leslie Root of the University of Colorado. “The U.S. population continues to grow naturally.”
