00:00The U.S. total fertility rate has dropped to an all-time low of 1.599 children per woman
00:08according to new federal data released by the CDC, far below the 2.1 rate needed to replace the
00:16population. The total fertility rate in the United States is 1.599, about 1.6. This is the lowest
00:27level we have seen in the United States. And this is below the level we generally consider as
00:34demographers to be the replacement level, which is about 2.1. Experts point to economic anxiety,
00:41climate concerns, and struggles with housing and health care as key reasons for the decline.
00:49They're worried about their jobs. They're worried about the cost of living. They're worried about
00:53housing. They're worried about safety. They're worried about the climate. They're worried about
00:57access to reproductive health and health care. And they're worried about things. And worry is not
01:03a good moment to have kids. Demographers say the trend reflects a long-term delay of childbearing,
01:11not a population crisis. But the gap between policy and reality continues to spark national debate.
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