fertility rate

August 01, 2024

Children Are Their Future, and Ours

It’s trendy for pundits and politicians to advocate for declining birth rates, but a new book tackles one of the most pressing global crises over the next century: depopulation in industrialized countries. Continue Reading...

June 29, 2021

What you should know about China’s population control measures

Last month, China announced that it would allow couples to have up to three children, an increase from the two children allowed per couple previously. Prior to 2016, China had a one-child policy, which was instituted in 1980 and enforced by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Continue Reading...

April 23, 2021

The economics behind the COVID-19 baby bust

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, some academics predicted a “baby boom,” as couples found themselves locked down with nothing to do. But those familiar with economics knew differently – and the data have now backed us up. Continue Reading...

December 09, 2020

The heart of demographic decline: Why ‘pro-family’ policies won’t save us

In his 2013 book, What to Expect When No One’s Expecting, Jonathan V. Last warned of the “coming demographic disaster,” pointing to America’s recent dip below replacement-level fertility. Today, the rate of decline still shows little sign of slowing, driven by a complex “constellation of factors” that range from genuine blessings, to “problems of plenty,” to idols of choice and convenience. Continue Reading...

March 30, 2011

Acton Commentary: Debt and the Birth Dearth

In today’s Acton Commentary, “Debt and the Birth Dearth,” I examine the interrelationship between demographics, economics, and morality, especially within the context of America’s current public debt crisis. I conclude by pointing to the spiritual nature of our “debts”: Jesus taught Christians to pray, “Forgive us our debts.” Continue Reading...