U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low

The U.S. fertility rate hit a new record-low last year, continuing a persistent trend that will have significant consequences for American society.

The total fertility rate dropped to 1.62 births per woman last year, a 2 percent decline from the year before, according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control. The figure is below replacement level, meaning Americans are not having enough children to replace themselves, a development with major implications for the American economy.

The total fertility rate recorded by the CDC is the lowest since the U.S....