US fertility rate hits historic new low as women delay pregnancy and have fewer child

NPR | By Brian Mann,

Steve Inskeep

Published April 10, 2026 at 4:44 AM EDT

Americans are having fewer babies than they used to. This fact, along with the decline in immigration, means big changes for families and society.

Brian Mann

Brian Mann is NPR's first national addiction correspondent. He also covers breaking news in the U.S. and around the world.

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

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