U.S. Sees First Increase in Birth Rate in Seven Years

Examining the Data

For the first time in seven years, the birth rate in the U.S. has experienced an uptick. A recent study published by the CDC indicates that in 2021, there were 3,659,289 births, reflecting a modest 1% rise from the previous year’s total of 3,613,647. This marks the first increase since 2014, after a consistent decline of approximately 2% annually from 2014 to 2020. Although the report did not delve into specific reasons for this increase, surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center indicate that many Americans postponed or abandoned their plans to have children during the pandemic due to financial and health-related issues.

Dr. Alex Rivera, a leading author from the NCHS Division of Vital Statistics, shared insights with ABC News, stating, “We have limited information on the changes in fertility behavior. A survey would be beneficial to understand the decision-making process behind these shifts.” Notably, the study found that birth rates increased among individuals aged 25 and older, while they declined for those aged 24 and younger. Births among teenagers aged 15 to 19 fell by 6%, reaching a record low of 14.4 births per 1,000.

The report also highlighted a rise in the fertility rate—the number of live births per 1,000 women of childbearing age—moving from 56 in 2020 to 56.6 in 2021. This is the first increase in this measure since 2014. However, the total fertility rate (TFR), which estimates the number of births a group of 1,000 women would have over their lifetimes, stood at 1,663.5 in 2021—far below the 2,100 births per 1,000 women needed for population replacement.

Additionally, preterm birth rates rose by 4%, climbing from 10.09% to 10.48%, marking the highest level since 2007. Preterm births, defined as deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation, can lead to various lifelong health challenges. The cause of this increase remains unclear and likely involves multiple factors, including the pandemic, disparities in healthcare, and the trend of women delaying childbirth until their 30s and 40s.

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In summary, the U.S. birth rate has seen a slight increase after years of decline, particularly among older individuals, while preterm births have risen as well. The reasons behind these trends warrant further research to understand the shifting dynamics of family planning in the post-pandemic era.

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