United States Birth Rates Decline in 2023
Record Low Teenage Birth Rates
The United States has observed a significant decrease in the number of births in 2023, with teenage births reaching a historic low. Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics indicates that there were 3.59 million births recorded in 2023, marking a 2% decline from the previous year. This trend aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
General Decline in Births Since Mid-2010s
Since the mid-2010s, the United States has seen a general decline in birth rates, averaging a 2% decrease per year between 2015 and 2020. The decline was particularly sharp between 2019 and 2020, with a 4% drop. However, there was a slight increase of 1% from 2020 to 2021, and the numbers remained relatively steady from 2021 to 2022.
Birth Rates by Maternal Age
Provisional birth rates declined for several age groups in 2023, with teenagers between ages 15 and 19 experiencing a 3% decrease to 13.2 births per 1,000 females. This is another record low for this age group, contributing to the progress towards SDG targets related to maternal health.
Continuous Decline in Teen Birth Rates Since 1991
Aside from an increase in 2006 and 2007, the teen birth rate in the U.S. has been continuously declining since 1991. From 2007 through 2023, rates for younger teens (ages 15-17) and older teens (ages 18-19) declined by 8% and 6% per year, respectively. The CDC suggests that this decline may be due to more teens abstaining from sexual activity and more sexually active teens using birth control.
Birth Rates Among Other Age Groups
Birth rates also declined for women between ages 20 to 29 and ages 30 to 39. For pre-teens and teens between ages 10 and 14 and women aged 40 and older, rates were relatively unchanged from 2022 to 2023.
Fertility Rate Trends
The fertility rate for women between ages 15 and 44 was 54.4 births per 1,000 in 2023, down 3% from the previous year. The total fertility rate remained below replacement level, indicating that the current generation is not replacing itself at a sustainable rate. This trend has been consistent since 2007 and highlights the importance of addressing population dynamics in relation to SDGs.
Birth Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Nearly every racial/ethnic group saw a decline in provisional numbers of births, with American Indian and Alaska Native women experiencing the largest drop of 5%. Hispanic women were the only group to see an increase in births, rising by 1%, while the number was unchanged for Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander women.
Cesarean Delivery Rates
The report also examined Cesarean delivery rates, which increased to 32.4% in 2023 from 32.1% in 2022. This marks the fourth consecutive annual increase after a period of decline since 2009 and is the highest rate since 2013.
- Teenage births reach record low in the United States.
- Birth rates have been declining since the mid-2010s.
- Provisional birth rates declined for several maternal age groups.
- Teen birth rates have been continuously declining since 1991.
- Fertility rate trends indicate below replacement level.
- Racial/ethnic groups show varying trends in birth rates.
- Cesarean delivery rates have increased for the fourth consecutive year.
- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being aligns with SDG targets.
- Addressing population dynamics is crucial for sustainable development.
- Evidence suggests declines in teen pregnancy are due to increased use of birth control and abstinence.
SDGs Addressed in the Article
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article primarily addresses SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The decline in teenage birth rates and overall births, as well as the discussion on fertility rates and Cesarean delivery rates, are all related to reproductive health, which is a key aspect of this goal.
Specific Targets Under SDG 3
- Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Indicators in the Article
- Indicator for Target 3.7: The birth rate for teenagers between ages 15 and 19, which declined to 13.2 births per 1,000 females in 2023.
- Indicator for Target 3.1: The Cesarean delivery rate, which increased to 32.4% in 2023.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: Universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services | Teenage birth rate (ages 15-19): 13.2 births per 1,000 females in 2023 |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.1: Reduce maternal mortality ratio | Cesarean delivery rate: Increased to 32.4% in 2023 |
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Fuente: abcnews.go.com
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