Low fertility is a growing topic of concern both in our nation and around the world.
Newsweek recently published an article reporting that “One in three Gen Zers and millennials do not have and do not want to have children…”
Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:1-14 that in the last days, “the love of many will grow cold.” The Apostle Paul seems to reaffirm this in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 as he also warns us to expect selfishness to grow. It is not hard to see how these warnings are borne out in prevailing attitudes toward children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the general fertility rate in the U.S. decreased by 3 percent between 2022 and 2024.
Here are some key points regarding this trend:
-The U.S. fertility rate has been reported to be around 1.6 to 1.7 children per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population without immigration. This figure represents the total fertility rate, which estimates the average number of children a woman would have throughout her childbearing years.
– The decline is observed across various demographics, with significant drops in birth rates among all major racial and ethnic groups, as well as across different age groups, though the decrease is particularly pronounced among younger women.
– While the birth rates of religious people have fallen a bit, there is a stark difference between the birth rate of religious people versus non-religious people. If we look at weekly or monthly church attendees, the decline has been very modest.
– Cultural differences predict huge fertility differences. It is interesting to note that Orthodox Jews and the Amish have six kids on average – according to Lyman Stone, a demography and senior fellow at the Institute of Family Studies. Atheists and agnostics “tend to have quite low birth rates,” he points out.
Consequences:
– A lower birthrate could lead to a shrinking workforce, potentially slowing economic growth, increasing the tax burden on the working-age population, and affecting social security systems as the ratio of workers to retirees shifts.
– A lower birthrate might lead to an aging population, which would necessitate changes in healthcare, elder care, and other social services.
Foolish lawmakers like U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-Chicago) are ignoring the warnings. In fact, she recently sent an email stating,
“Everyone deserves access to birth control… That’s why I introduced the Access to Birth Control Access Act to protect people’s decisions to purchase birth control, over-the-counter and prescription, at their local pharmacies.”
We can only assume that they either do not know or do not care that their policies are counterproductive and harmful to our nation.
There is a great need to teach a biblical view of and purpose for children (and the family). We cannot deny that marriage and family are under attack in our culture. Followers of Jesus Christ should not only lead by example but also help others develop a biblical perspective. This is why IFI is focusing our next worldview conference on “The High Calling of Marriage and Family.”
This event will feature special guest speakers, Dr. Brad Wilcox and Scott Phelps.
Christian worldview training equips us to disciple others and share the Christian faith effectively. By understanding the biblical perspective on various issues, we can engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate the profound ways that Christianity can positively impact everyday life for our families and our culture.
We cannot overemphasize its importance.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
~Psalm 127:3-5~
