The fertility gap and economic freedom

Abstract The difference between desired fertility and achieved fertility is called the fertility gap. This paper investigates the relationship between economic freedom and the fertility gap across the United States since greater economic freedom may empower individuals to choose work more compatible with their family goals. We test this hypothesis using individual measures of fertility preferences from a nationally representative survey of reproductive‐aged women (2020–2024) and find evidence that women are more likely to achieve their family goals in states with greater economic freedom. This effect is strongest when focusing on variation in labor market freedom.