(Salt Lake City, UT) — Utah experts say the economy and cultural shifts are contributing towards declining fertility rates. Panelists with qualified backgrounds gathered at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to discuss ways to increase fertility rates. The state’s total fertility rate declined by nearly 22 percent over the decade. One panelist said the U.S. could emulate European countries that have implemented support for parents and families. Ideas also included implementing per-child allowance and addressing the lack of housing affordability.