The US birth rate has fallen by somewhere between 14% and 20% since 2012

The US birth rate has fallen by somewhere between 14% and 20% since 2012, depending on the estimate per Bloomberg.

Today, about 35% of women ages 25-44 have never given birth, almost double the number in 1976.

Surveys show that many childless young adults are concerned about the medical and financial challenges of raising children. About 42% express worries about bringing children into a world affected by climate change. Additionally, this demographic is more inclined than older adults to believe that parents often regret their decision to have children.

Deciding not to have children is a valid choice, but it's worth noting that most parents are very satisfied with their decision. For instance, in a survey conducted by Dan Pink for his book "The Power of Regret," which involved 20,000 respondents, fewer than 20 expressed regret about having children. Even if only half of these respondents were parents, the chance of regret would be as low as 0.2%, making it a statistically rare occurrence.

The financial challenges of parenthood are undeniable. The cost of living, healthcare, and education has significantly increased over the past three decades. Childcare expenses, in particular, have skyrocketed, leading many financial advisors to recommend that parents start saving at least $300 per month for college expenses from the child's birth.