Against the Trend, U.S. Births Way Up
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5il3MRchwbfmuBgzYUPgNwvcBVK1wD8U6OU100

The number of births in the U.S. in 2006 is the highest number in 45 years, which is why this period is being called a boomlet (a small baby boom). Interestingly, even though Europeans have far more baby-friendly government policies with regards to parental leave and childcare, American women have more children on average than women in any country in continental Europe. Among many of the explanations detailed in this fascinating AP article, the fact that American men are more helpful around the house and with kids than their European counterparts factors into the higher fertility rate. So, let me get this straight. We get the hunky, brave guys who don't wear Speedos or tapered jeans AND we also get more help around the house? It just doesn't seem fair. Let's give our boys a hand!