South Dakota is a clear national leader in upholding the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. According to the Independence Index, Advancing American Freedom’s new measure of civic wellbeing and social capital, South Dakota ranks at the top of the country for multiple categories related to individual freedom, flourishing families, and a thriving republic.
A respect for life
The Coyote State boasted the highest fertility rate as measured by the CDC, with 2.04 expected children per woman, topping runner-up states like Nebraska, Idaho, North Dakota and Iowa. The five lowest fertility rates were in coastal areas such as Oregon, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. The total fertility rate in the United States has fallen to the lowest level in the nation’s recorded history, which brings long-run consequences for the economy.
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