Amidst the growing concerns of a dwindling US birth rate, the recent 2025 American Family Survey highlighted the decreasing interest in US women in becoming mothers. The study is conducted by Deseret News, Wheatley University, and Bringham Young University’s Study of Elections and Democracy and was conducted between August 6 to the 18^th. The study found that amongst those who are below the age of 50 without children, only 45% stated that they wanted children. Thirty-eight percent stated either “probably not” or definitely not.” Seventeen percent were unsure.

Childless men were more likely than childless women to say they wanted to have children. 50% of men said that they either “definitely” or “probably” wanted children, while only 40% of women said the same. Amongst those who “definitely” or “probably” didn’t want children, one third of men said as much, while 44% of childless women said “no” to kids. Seventeen percent in both groups stated they were unsure. Meanwhile, despite a CDC report that the birth rate has dropped to an all-time low of 1.6 births per woman, those surveyed did not perceive any fertility issues in the US. Twenty-six percent stated they believed the number of babies being born today is “too few” while 16% stated there were “too many.” Thirty-four percent said they didn’t know while 24% stated they felt the right number were being born.

Affordability appeared to be a major factor in concerns about having children. Seventy-one percent disagreed that raising children is affordable, an increase from 51% in 2015. Only 14% agreed that raising children is affordable. Forty-three percent cited insufficient money as a barrier to having children, while a lack of personal desire came in second with 22%. Positive perceptions of marriage had also dwindled, with 45% stating that “society is better off when more people are married,” down from 53% in 2018. 56% stated that marriage “makes children and families better off financially,” which had dropped from 64%. However, outright opposition to marriage was low, with only 17% agreeing that marriage is an “outdated institution.”

Researchers noted that while the findings were “normatively worrisome” they were not a reason for panic. Yet. “We do not want to overstate: the sky is not falling and outright opposition to marriage is rare. But it is concerning that fewer Americans recognize the positive role marriage can play in both society and the lives of individuals. For example, children with married parents tend to experience greater protection from the worst forms of poverty,” said researchers. “Marriage is also an engine for positive effects throughout society: a better educated populace, a stronger workforce, extended financial and emotional support, and others. One does not need to be married to believe that the institution is deeply important for society. For these reasons, any slide in public norms about marriage is worth a great deal of attention.”