The verdict: the birth rate in the United States is the lowest that it has been in 42 years according to the CDC. It appears that the second argument won.
Which begs the question, what happened in 1979 that caused such a low birth rate? PRB said it was due to the oil shock, economic recession, and double-digit inflation in the 1970s. These scenarios created a situation where for the first time since WWII, being able to support a family on one income became impossible for most Americans. With two parents working, having babies translated into increased childcare expenses, the term latchkey kids became a thing, and the birthrate declined.
But not all is doom and gloom for humanity's future, at least in regard to depopulation. When economies rebound and people feel better about their prospects for the future, birthrates tend to rebound. Declining cases of covid, increased vaccination rates, and an opening economy are examples of better prospects. Yahoo stated that condom sales increased by 23% from March to mid-April this year according to market research firm IRI. While condoms are used to prevent pregnancies, that statistics indicate that people are becoming more sexually active. My wife and I walking through the park the last couple of days have seen many young couples in their late teens on obvious dates. My wedding photographer friends said they are getting lots of bookings now after a brutal year and a half.
Our coronavirus winter is ending and humanity is emerging from their dens. Let Spring begin.
Take care and be safe.
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