你不知道的美国（1）望而却步的育儿费

Group 1 - The economic burden of childcare in the U.S. is significant, with families facing high costs that can lead to substantial debt accumulation. For instance, a family in Connecticut has accumulated $150,000 in debt due to childcare expenses [1][5]. - In New York City, the cost of childcare services is particularly high, with parents needing to pay around $180 per child for additional care during school breaks, which adds to their financial strain [2]. - The average annual cost of childcare for infants in private centers has increased significantly, with reports indicating a rise of 79% since 2019, far exceeding the inflation rate of 20% during the same period [3][4]. Group 2 - The U.S. is experiencing a decline in birth rates, with the total fertility rate dropping to 1.62 in 2023, below the replacement level of 2.1. This decline is attributed to economic pressures, including rising living costs and student debt [6]. - The lack of federal support for childcare in the U.S. is among the lowest in developed countries, with no national paid parental leave or comprehensive childcare subsidies, which exacerbates the challenges faced by young families [7][8]. - The Trump administration's policies, including the freezing of federal childcare subsidies, have raised concerns about the sustainability of childcare services, further complicating the situation for working families [8].