The Birth Dearth Gives Rise to Pro-Natalism

“Happy, and hopeful, people have babies. “

“For many women, the answer is far simpler. They need to trust that the losses and changes of parenthood they might fear—of their bodies, lifestyles, sense of self, and current relationship dynamics—will be worth it. They need to believe that having children is a good that is worth the sacrifice. Just as Christ promises that it will be. “

Very true. We need to read more from Emma Waters.

Waters, Emma. “The Birth Dearth Gives Rise to Pro-Natalism.” World, 8 July 2024, https://wng.org/opinions/the-birth-dearth-gives-rise-to-pro-natalism-1720432594. Accessed 6 December 2025.

By Emma Waters, July 8, 2024

The United States is now in demographic decline. As of 2023, its birth rate reached a new low: 1.62 births on average per woman—well below the 2.1 replacement rate. This is a major problem for national health, as the economy, gross domestic product, Social Security, military readiness, and eldercare largely rely on new generations of children.

On an individual level, this birth dearth reflects a much darker reality. Happy, and hopeful, people have babies. If fewer and fewer people are having children, what does this say about the state of our souls? …Read more