In 2023, the fertility rate in the United States fell to an all-time low, reflecting a significant decrease in the frequency of births. This trend is highlighted by recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating a continued decline in the number of babies being born.
The US fertility rate has been declining for decades, with notable drops following the 2008 Great Recession. Although there was a brief increase in 2021, often attributed to a potential Covid-19 “baby bump,” the rate has resumed its downward trend. In 2023, the fertility rate fell by 3% from the previous year, reaching a record low of approximately 55 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Last year saw just under 3.6 million births, a decrease of about 68,000 from the previous year.
Since reaching a peak in 2007, the US fertility rate has dropped by 17%, with the general fertility rate falling by 21%, according to the latest report. Sarah Hayford, director of the Institute for Population Research at The Ohio State University, attributes this decline to a range of social and economic factors. These include delayed marriages, extended educational pursuits, and longer periods needed to achieve economic stability. Hayford, who was not involved in the report, notes that these demographic changes align with the trends observed in birth rates.
People are increasingly delaying parenthood, and as a result, having fewer children on average, according to Sarah Hayford. She also notes that greater social acceptance of smaller families and child-free lifestyles has led individuals to more carefully consider their decision to become parents.
CDC data for 2023 reveals that births are now more common among older mothers, with the highest birth rate found among women aged 30 to 34, at about 95 births per 1,000 women. Conversely, the teen birth rate has hit a record low of approximately 13 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19.
Additionally, the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court has introduced significant changes in reproductive care. While national data might mask some localized impacts, an analysis from last year indicates that states with abortion bans saw an average fertility rate 2.3% higher than states without such restrictions, resulting in about 32,000 more births than anticipated in the first half of 2023.
The link between abortion rights and birth rates is complex, as recent shifts in abortion policy continue to influence demographic trends, according to Sarah Hayford. She notes that changes in abortion access can significantly affect people’s decisions about having children.
Broader experiences with reproductive health also play a role in these decisions. The latest CDC report highlights a concerning trend: while about 75% of pregnant women received prenatal care starting in their first trimester last year, the percentage of women receiving care later or not at all has been increasing. In 2023, approximately 2.3% of pregnant women had no prenatal care, a 5% rise from the previous year, and nearly 5% received prenatal care only during their third trimester.
