By Bruce Walker, Church Militant - Total fertility rates have decreased significantly over the past 60 years. According to a report by John Binder, "Between 1955 to 1960, the U.S. birth rate peaked with nearly 3.6 children being born per woman. Demographers predict, based on current trends, for the U.S. birth rate to remain below replacement level into the year 2100."... Beyond specific Catholic doctrine against abortion and contraception, the decrease in total fertility rates as a result of both poses serious financial concerns from a strictly utilitarian point of view.