According to the Centers for Disease Control the fertility rate in the U.S. fell below replacement levels for the ninth straight year and has now been below the replacement level in 43 of the last 45 years. This is staggering, and has huge implications for the future. A top-heavy age demographic means that there will be greater demands on medical and health services for the elderly. This also means more elderly will be dependent upon Social Security and Medicare while fewer workers will be contributing to these government programs. It's a huge problem that with public policy implications. A looming question is: why aren't American's reproducing themselves? Children are the future of society; they're both a hope and a promise. And if we aren't welcoming them into the world what does it say about us right now?