States with Flexible Childcare Regulations Show Smaller Fertility Gaps

Research indicates that states with fewer childcare regulations exhibit a smaller disparity between the number of children people desire and the number they have. This information was published in City Journal by Anna Claire Flowers, Vincent Geloso, Clara Piano, and Lyman Stone.

American women often have fewer children than they wish. The average fertility gap in the U.S., which measures the difference between desired and actual fertility, stands at approximately 0.76 children per woman, nearly one child. However, this gap differs widely across the country.

For example, North Dakota has a smaller gap, around one-third of a child. In contrast, states like New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Alaska experience a gap exceeding one child. Understanding these discrepancies is crucial as they highlight the varying impact of state policies on family planning and childcare options.