2025

Maternal depression results from multiple factors and may persist beyond the postpartum period. While depressive symptoms are common around the world, both specific national policies and women's personal resources may influence the speed and magnitude of recovery from depressive symptoms over time.

New research suggests that, while maternal depressive symptoms are common around the world, both national policies as well as personal resources play a role in women’s recovery from depressive symptoms during the early years of their child’s life.

Falling birth rates in the U.S. have raised concerns that the current total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen "below replacement" level. In reality, the relationship between current fertility rates and population decline is not straightforward.

Concerns about “depopulation” are widespread, but demographers caution against alarm. Population projections are useful guides, but not crystal balls.

Examination of the Family First Act (FFA) to increase the CTC to as much as $4200, while also extending benefits to pregnant mothers. In this brief, we assess who will benefit most from changes to the CTC and whether it can effectively support families and halt falling fertility.