American haven’t been having children at the rate needed to replace the existing population since 1973, presenting an array of economic challenges that sap growth and innovation—and 97% of the world’s population lives in countries where the fertility rate is falling. If nothing changes, the US could end up like Japan, where the population is shrinking and economic growth is slow. More immigration can’t solve the problem forever, and policy changes to encourage more people to have more kids are in order.
Is the United States—and the world—doomed for lack of babies?
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