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**US Birth Rates Dip to 3.59 Million in 2023, Teen Births Hit Historic Low**
In a continuing trend, the United States witnessed a decline in birth rates in 2023, with total births falling to 3.59 million, marking a 2% decrease from the year before. Particularly notable is the dramatic drop in teenage pregnancies, which has reached a new low, officials report.
The teen birth rate, for adolescents aged 15-19, plunged to just 13.2 births per 1,000 females – a decrease of 3% from 2022. This decline is part of a long-term trend that began in 1991, where rates for both younger (under 15) and older teens (15-19) have seen annual decreases of 8% and 6%, respectively.
Experts attribute this persistent decrease in teen pregnancy to a combination of factors, including a higher number of teens choosing to abstain from sexual activity and an increase in the use of birth control among those who are sexually active.
Moreover, the data reveals a decrease in birth rates among women in their 20s and 30s, with the figures for pre-teens (10-14) and those aged 40 and above remaining stable. The fertility rate among women aged 15-44 fell to 54.4 births per 1,000, down by 3% from the previous year, continuing a trend of rates that have stayed below the replacement level since 2007.
The decline in birth numbers in 2023 was almost universal across all racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic women being the notable exception, registering a 1% increase in births.
Another significant finding from the year’s data is the rise in Cesarean delivery rates, which climbed to 32.4%. This increase is part of an upward trend seen over the past four years, following a period of decline that started in 2009. The 2023 figure represents the highest Cesarean rate since 2013, sparking conversations among healthcare professionals and expectant mothers alike.
The continuous shift in birth rates and demographics brings forward questions and discussions on how these trends will shape societal norms, economic policies, and healthcare systems in the years to come.