U.S. Birth Rate Hits Record Low in 2023

In a recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been revealed that the pace of babies born in the U.S. in 2023 has declined to a new record low. This milestone marks the end of a trend that saw an increase in new births during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the analysis of 2023 birth certificate data, the number of babies born last year in the U.S. totaled 3,591,328, marking a 2% decrease from the 3,667,758 born in 2022. This decline is consistent with the annual decreases seen before the pandemic, averaging around 2% fewer births each year.

Trend Reversal

There were indications prior to 2023 that the surge in pandemic births was coming to an end, with slightly fewer babies born in 2022 compared to 2021. However, last year's decline was more significant, with approximately 74,000 fewer births, according to Brady Hamilton, one of the report's authors at the CDC.

Fertility Rate Concerns

The total fertility rate in 2023 stood at 1,616.5 births per 1,000 women in the U.S. This figure represents the average number of births women will have over their lifetimes if current rates remain constant. To sustain the population, the total fertility rate needs to reach 2,100 births per 1,000 women, equivalent to an average of 2.1 children per woman. Without meeting this threshold, the total population could shrink without other demographic influxes.

Among the demographic groups, the number of new births in 2023 remained flat or decreased from 2022 for most groups, except for Hispanic women who experienced a 1% increase. Meanwhile, the birth rates by age group were either down or unchanged for almost all women, with the exception being a flattening of the once-declining rate of teen births.

The report also highlighted an increase in cesarean deliveries, accounting for 32.4% of new births in 2023, up from 32.1% in 2022. This marks the fourth consecutive increase in cesarean delivery rates following a period of decline from 2009 through 2019. The highest cesarean delivery rates were observed among Black moms, reaching 37% last year.

This latest report from the CDC sheds light on critical demographic trends and raises concerns about the sustainability of the population. The findings prompt a deeper examination of the factors influencing birth rates and delivery methods, underscoring the need for further research and analysis.