Despite a recent pronatalist push from policymakers and public figures, the U.S. birth rate reached historic lows in 2025. Without substantial public investment in high-quality childcare, more women are delaying or choosing not to have children and are instead pursuing continuous, high-skill employment. According to a new U-M study, declining U.S. fertility has contributed to gains in pay equity. Learn more about the motherhood wage penalty in this spotlight from the Institute for Social Research.
