US Birth Rate Declines 1 Percent In 2025, Teen Births Hit Historic Low

The United States saw a 1% decline in births in 2025, continuing a long-term downward trend.

CDC data showed 3,606,400 live births last year, down from 3,628,934 in 2024.

American Hospital Association

The general fertility rate fell to 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15–44.

The most notable decline came in teenage births, which fell 7% to 11.7 births per 1,000—the lowest rate ever recorded.

The cesarean delivery rate increased slightly to 32.5%, the highest since 2013.

The preterm birth rate held steady at 10.41%.

The CDC's report was based on 99.95% of birth records received and processed as of early February 2026.

There is no consensus over why U.S. fertility rates have declined so significantly.

Some experts point to economic factors, others say cultural influences, and better access to education and contraception for women are driving the change.

CNN

Economist Martha Bailey noted that women are delaying motherhood and may have more children later in life.

Dr. Alison Gemmill emphasized the need for a people-centered approach.

Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sigal Klipstein said women take longer to conceive because they have not found the right partner.

Health concerns are also leading many people to think twice before having children.

The decline in births has sparked political and social debate.

Heritage Foundation analyst Emma Waters attributed the trend to anti-life technologies and economic pressures.

Population Research Institute president Steven Mosher warned of an irrecoverable demographic decline.

He pointed to the increasingly widespread use of the abortion pill and stricter immigration enforcement as contributing factors.

Planned Parenthood performed an all-time high of 434,450 abortions in 2023-2024.

The CDC found that 10% of all births in 2024 were to illegal aliens.