Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a continuous decline in fertility and birth rates in the U.S., alongside an increase in cesarean section procedures. The 2025 numbers show a 1% drop in births, totaling around 3.6 million, and a similar decline in the fertility rate for women aged 15 to 44. This marks a difference of 22,534 fewer births, highlighting changing birth trends in the United States.
The downward trend in birth rates has persisted since 2015, with teenage birth rates showing the most significant decrease. The fertility rate among teenagers aged 15 to 19 has plummeted by 72% since 2007, including a 7% decline last year. Policymakers like Vice President JD Vance emphasize the need for policies to address these declines, proposing increased taxes for childless individuals and expanding the child tax credit to boost birth rates.
Many sociologists argue that lower birth rates indicate an advanced society offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. Factors such as daycare costs, abortion policies, and political instability contribute to decisions against having more children. Women interviewed by States Newsroom cite these issues as reasons for their choices.
The CDC’s maternal and infant health data show the highest C-section rates since 2013, with an increase from 26.6% in 2024 to 26.9% in 2025 for first-time mothers. Meanwhile, preterm birth rates have remained stable or slightly declined since 2021.
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