US Mothers' Workforce Participation Declines Due to High Childcare Costs

The participation of US mothers in the workforce has declined due to the high cost and limited availability of childcare facilities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mothers are forced to stay at home to care for their children, leading to a significant loss of household income. Approximately 16,000 daycare centers, or 10% of the total, have closed since 2020. Even for those who can afford childcare, the prices are often exorbitant, with around 25% of household income going towards it. The lack of accessible and affordable childcare options has resulted in a labor shortage and a decline in female labor force participation. Efforts are being made to address this issue, including raising funds to establish more daycare centers and supporting working parents.