The Impact of Fewer Babies Being Born in Countries Around the Globe

NPR | By Sarah McCammon,

Brian Mann, Greg Dixon

Published July 16, 2025 at 2:12 PM EDT

Ben and Sarah Brewington are comfortable with their decision to not have children but acknowledge that others may perceive their choice as selfish.

More families around the world are choosing to have fewer children or none all. Many countries, including the U.S., now face a rapidly aging population that could begin to shrink. We look at why this is happening and what it could mean for the future.

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