August 27, 2010 8:55 PM
US birth rate hits new low - recession?
Recession may have pushed US birth rate to new low
The U.S. birth rate has dropped for the second year in a row, and experts think the wrenching recession led many people to put off having children. The 2009 birth rate also set a record: lowest in a century.
Births fell 2.7 percent last year even as the population grew, numbers released Friday by the National Center for Health Statistics show.
"It's a good-sized decline for one year. Every month is showing a decline from the year before," said Stephanie Ventura, the demographer who oversaw the report.
The birth rate, which takes into account changes in the population, fell to 13.5 births for every 1,000 people last year. That's down from 14.3 in 2007 and way down from 30 in 1909, when it was common for people to have big families.
"It doesn't matter how you look at it -- fertility has declined," Ventura said.
The situation is a striking turnabout from 2007, when more babies were born in the United States than any other year in the nation's history. The recession began that fall, dragging stocks, jobs and births down.
Read more at Yahoo News
Posted in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
Well, I'll be adding to the 2011 US birthrate in April ;)
Posted by: Courageous Grace | August 27, 2010 10:15 PM
this quote is annoying: "It doesn't matter how you look at it -- fertility has declined," Ventura said.
Fertility has declined or is it that women are refusing to USE their fertility. There is nothing in the article to support declining fertility. ugh.
Posted by: JenS | August 27, 2010 11:37 PM
Doing my part to add to the population! =)
Posted by: Michelle | August 28, 2010 7:26 AM
I am so glad that we as Christians don't base our family size on what is going on with the economy. UGH! I am amazed at how God has provided for my own large family, and other large families that I know. His resources are endless. :) My advice would be not to put it off! Have the babies you want!
Posted by: Lisa | August 28, 2010 12:09 PM
Just had my 3rd baby in June. Doing my part to counter the decline. :)
Posted by: Lauren | August 29, 2010 12:56 PM
There are some Christians who have stewardship concerns about having more children. There are many who plan their families who may avoid sex, use birth control, or use a rhythm method type strategy if they are facing bankruptcy, losing their home, unemployed, etc.
That said, let's all carpe diem and increase our percentages in this lean year !! :)
Posted by: Marie | August 29, 2010 7:09 PM
Not us: we having our "blizzard baby" in October. He's our 7th:-)
Posted by: Kate | August 29, 2010 9:07 PM
Glad I was not part of the 2009 trend; our first son was born in December :)
Hoping to help out with the birthrate in 2011 too :)
Posted by: YCW | August 30, 2010 10:25 AM
