A sharp decline in fertility rates in the United States that started in 2008 is closely linked to the souring of the economy that began about the same time, according to a new analysis of multiple economic and demographic data sources by the Pew Research Center.

A state-level look at fertility illustrates the strength of the correlation between lower birth rates and economic distress. States experiencing the largest economic declines in 2007 and 2008 were most likely to experience relatively large fertility declines from 2008 to 2009, while states with relatively minor economic declines were likely to experience relatively small declines.

Read the full report, In a Down Economy, Fewer Births, on the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Web site.