U.S. Birth Rates Continue Decline, Teen Births Hit Historic Low
Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a continued decline in U.S. birth rates, with the overall rate decreasing by 1% from the previous year. This trend includes a 7% decrease in the teen birth rate, which has reached a historic low. The decline in overall births has prompted demographic and economic discussions regarding long-term impacts.
Overall U.S. Birth Rate Decline Deepens
Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a 1% decrease in the overall U.S. birth rate from the previous year, continuing a long-term decline. This latest figure contributes to a significant trend observed over more than a decade.
Since 2007, the nation has seen a 23% decline in its general fertility rate, with approximately 3,606,400 births recorded in the latest reporting period, compared to 4,316,233 in 2007. This represents about 710,000 fewer births than in 2007.
Teen Birth Rate Reaches Historic Low
The U.S. teen birth rate decreased by 7% in the latest provisional data, reaching a historic low of 11.7 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19. This continues a multi-decade trend of decline; for comparison, the rate was 61.8 births per 1,000 in 1991. Approximately 126,000 babies were born to mothers in this age group during the reporting period. Public health officials have noted this decline as a significant development.
Contributing Factors to Declines
Various factors are cited for these declines across different age groups. For the overall birth rate, experts point to economic conditions, cultural changes, and increased access to education and contraception for women.
Specifically concerning the decline in teen births, explanations include lower overall rates of teen pregnancy, increased use of contraception, reduced sexual activity among youth, and continued access to abortion care.
Demographic and Economic Implications
The decline in birth rates has raised demographic and economic considerations. Demographers and economists have indicated that this trend, particularly when combined with reduced immigration levels, could impact the nation's future labor force and overall population growth.
A report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected approximately 8 million fewer U.S. residents by 2055 than previously forecast and anticipates a decline in the population aged 24 or younger over the next three decades.
The U.S. total fertility rate is currently below the "replacement level" required to maintain a stable population without immigration, aligning with a global trend observed in countries across East Asia, Europe, and parts of South America. Some economists suggest that women may be delaying motherhood rather than choosing to have fewer children overall. CDC data from March of the previous year showed rising fertility rates among women in their 30s and 40s; however, these increases have not compensated for the decreases seen in younger age groups. Discussions on policies to support families in their decisions regarding family size have been noted.
Other Birth-Related Statistics
Other provisional birth data indicates that the rate of preterm births remained unchanged. The cesarean delivery rate increased to 32.5% in the latest reporting period, marking the highest rate since 2013 and continuing a slight upward trend.
Report Details
The information is based on a provisional report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These annual provisional reports, typically released in the spring, are based on over 99% of registered births from the preceding year and offer an early assessment before the final data is published, usually in August. Brady Hamilton, a statistician demographer with the NCHS, was the lead author of the report. The provisional report did not include an analysis of births by the mother's race or ethnicity, though this data is available through the CDC's WONDER online database.