The Andrew Klavan Show Reversing The Catastrophic Birth Decline | Catherine Ruth Pakaluk
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May 7, 2025 
Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, an economist and author of 'Hannah's Children', sheds light on America's alarming birth rate decline. She discusses the complex socio-economic factors influencing family decisions and the deep value placed on parenthood. Through insightful research, she highlights how raising children is viewed as a rewarding journey. The conversation also touches on the shift in internet culture and its impact on family life, while exploring the profound narratives that shape our understanding of motherhood.
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America's Dire Birth Decline
- The U.S. birth rate has been below replacement since the 1970s among native-born Americans.
- College-educated women have even lower birth rates, nearing 1.5 children per woman.
High Value on Children
- Women having many children today strongly value children as meaningful and central to life.
- They reorganize life priorities, careers, and finances to welcome children, emphasizing value over cost.
Train Encounter Sparks Insight
- Catherine had her sixth baby on a commuter train, prompting a stranger's bold remark about her husband wanting her.
- This moment exposed societal attitudes about desire, marriage, and family size.
