Why did it improve slightly in the '90s and early '00s?
“The U.S. rate has been below replacement rate since 1973.”
The consequences of widespread use of the birth control pill and abortion to prevent children from being born. Add to that doubly economic whammy on the middle class from chronic inflation plus outsourcing of jobs overseas which resulted in both spouses having to work instead of one staying home and caring for children. Then feminist and LGBTQ movements which discouraged females from marrying and forming a traditional nuclear family with children. Finally the decline in adherence to religious teachings encouraging procreation.
The U.S. rate has been below replacement rate since 1973.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/figures/mm6901a5-F.gif
Many if not most of our siblings, cousins and friends, decided on 2-3 children as our max # of offspring!
The pill was developed about 1960.
My Commie Sociology professor was on target...
1973... interesting times, the 70s.
That’s the year Roe v Wade passed.
Give Planned Parenthood the nod for the declining numbers.