Why Are Americans Having Fewer Babies?

In recent years, the number of babies being born in the U.S. has been dropping. This is partly because fewer people are involved in religious activities.

The Rise of the Religiously Unaffiliated

A study from Pew in 2024 found that about 29% of Americans do not identify with any religion. This is a significant increase from 13% in 2007.

The Role of Religious Communities in Parenting

Experts suggest that when people are not part of a religious community, they may find it harder to have and raise children. Religious groups often provide support systems that make parenting easier.

The European Example

For instance, in Europe, when the number of nuns declined, so did the birth rates among Catholics. This was because the nuns had been running schools, hospitals, and other services that helped families.

U.S. Fertility Rate Below Replacement Level

The U.S. fertility rate, which is the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime, is now around 1.6. This is below the 2.1 needed to keep the population stable without immigration.

Religious Attendance and Fertility

However, people who attend religious services regularly tend to have more children, around 2 per woman.

Active Participation Matters

But just believing in a religion is not enough. Experts say that people need to actively participate in their faith for it to have an impact on their family life. This includes finding a partner and having children.

Earlier Marriages and Stronger Support Networks

Another reason religious people might have more children is that they tend to get married earlier and have stronger support networks. This includes help from family, friends, and their religious community.