The Atlantic's Elizabeth Gregory: Good Policies Helpful to Raising Children Might Help Raise the U.S. Birth Rate

The Atlantic's Elizabeth Gregory takes a look at the issue of America's declining birth rate relative to the issue costs associated with childrearing.  Gregory rejects that call to raise the US. birth rate for its own sake.  Instead she advocates the development of better policies that make it easier to raise children, a situation that might have the ultimate effect of raising the U.S. birth rate.

Gregory also examines the historical context of America's declining birth rate. She notes that the advent of "The Pill" in the 1960s precipitated a decline in the U.S. birth rate.  She also describes how the increased entry of women into the U.S. workforce has offset the declines in American fertility.  Simply put, she contends that the issue of American fertility is complex, defying simple approaches.

The article is linked below.

Elizabeth Gregory: Public Policy for Raising Children Should be a Priority

"Fair wages and affordable care would make families more fiscally feasible for would-be moms and dads.  That might lead to a rise in the birthrate down the line when educated younger women feel ready. It could also lead  to more efficient work strategies overall that could allow us to function well as a society with a birthrate below replacement and a reasonable immigration policy  Whatever your views on population growth, the reproductive contract has changed.  Some societal investment in the next generation, and in the current generation of female workers and their families, is crucial."

---Elizabeth Gregory, The Atlantic