Utah Women and Fertility: Trends and Changes from 1970–2023 Artwork

Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

The mission of the Utah Women & Leadership Project is to strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women. We serve Utah and its residents by 1) producing relevant, trustworthy, and applicable research; 2) creating and gathering valuable resources; and 3) convening trainings and events that inform, inspire, and ignite growth and change for all Utahns. We are moving mountains for Utah women! Hosted by Utah State University.

All Episodes

Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

Utah Women and Fertility: Trends and Changes from 1970–2023

November 11, 2025 • Dr. Susan R. Madsen • Episode 166

In this episode, we discuss a recently released research snapshot titled “Utah Women and Fertility: Trends and Changes from 1970–2023.” This snapshot examines how cultural, social, economic, religious, and personal factors have shaped childbearing decisions in Utah over time. Using state and national data, the report explores whether Utah’s fertility trends align with or diverge from national patterns. The analysis highlights four key areas: fertility trends, marital status, cultural contexts by decade, and considerations for the future. What do these findings reveal about the past, present, and future of fertility trends in Utah? We’ll explore all of that and more in today’s episode.

Dr. Susan Madsen, a Professor of Organizational Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University and the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and A Bolder Way Forward, is joined by Dr. April Townsend, co-author of the report and a research fellow for the Utah Women & Leadership Project.

Support the show