Study Shows Number of Childless Women in the U.S. Continues to Rise_188体育app_188体育在线-平台官网

Robbin Ray ’82
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:45 -0400

DURHAM, N.H.—Research from the University of New Hampshire reports that in 2024 there were 5.7 million more childless women of prime child-bearing age than expected given prior patterns—a significant jump from 2.1 million in 2016 and 4.7 million in 2022. This shift in fertility patterns has contributed to 11.8 million fewer births than expected in the past 17 years.
“Childless rates increased the most among women under 30, where fertility rate declines were also greatest,” said Kenneth Johnson, professor of sociology and senior demographer at UNH’s Carsey School of Public Policy. “In 2024, there were four million more women aged 20–39 than in 2006, but 7 million fewer have given birth—that’s an increase of 45 percent.”
Johnson, who authored the brief, analyzed data from the U.S. Census...