Family trends show falling U.S. birthrates while interest in children remains.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported a 2025 general fertility rate of 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15–44, below replacement level. The article says many young women still want children and points to dating, affordability and delayed timing as key reasons some do not reach their desired fertility.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported a 2025 general fertility rate of 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15–44, which the article notes is below the replacement level for population stability. For the first time, birthrates for women in their late 30s exceeded rates for women in their early 20s. The author argues that blaming "girlboss feminism" alone oversimplifies the decline and highlights social and economic factors tied to family formation. Key findings: - The 2025 general fertility rate is reported as 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15–44, below replacement level. - Birthrates for women in their late 30s now surpass those for women in their early 20s. - Nearly half of U.S. 30-year-old women are reported as childless, up from 18% in 1976, while surveys show many women under 35 either have children or want them. - The article cites inability to find a spouse, affordability, and delayed family timing linked to career or lifestyle as top reasons people report for not reaching desired fertility. Summary: The piece presents the falling birthrate as a multifaceted trend tied to demographic, economic and social factors rather than a single cultural explanation. Undetermined at this time.