Exploring why Amish communities maintain high birth rates in a low-fertility environment

Understanding fertility trends in a cohesive high-fertility population within a low-fertility environment

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10808419

This study looks at why Amish communities have more babies than most people today, exploring how their jobs, beliefs, and personal situations might play a role in their high birth rates.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10808419 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the unique fertility patterns of Amish populations who continue to have high birth rates despite living in a society where overall fertility has declined. By creating a comprehensive dataset that captures demographic trends across various Amish communities, the project aims to identify the factors influencing these high birth rates, such as occupation, religious beliefs, and individual circumstances. The study will utilize cross-sectional analyses to understand the variations in birth rates among different Amish groups, providing insights into their reproductive behaviors and community dynamics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals or families from Amish communities who are interested in understanding their fertility patterns.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to Amish communities or those who are not interested in fertility trends may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into fertility trends that may inform public health policies and family planning initiatives.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been sporadic studies on Amish fertility, this research aims to provide a novel, comprehensive analysis that has not been previously undertaken.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.