The United States saw a decline in births last year, with a little under 3.6 million babies born in 2023, marking the lowest one-year tally since 1979. This trend of declining birth rates has been ongoing for more than a decade, with a 4% drop from 2019 to 2020. While birth rates had been increasing for two consecutive years after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 numbers suggest that the rebound has come to an end.

Experts have noted that birth rates have been falling for teenagers and younger women while rising for women in their 30s and 40s, reflecting a trend of women prioritizing education and careers before starting families. However, last year saw birth rates fall for all women younger than 40 and remain flat for women in their 40s, a surprising development according to researchers.

The decline in births was seen across almost all racial and ethnic groups, with rates falling for American Indian and Alaska Native women, Black women, white women, and Asian American women, while rising slightly for Hispanic women. The cesarean section birth rate also increased to 32.4% of births, raising concerns among experts about the potential overuse of C-sections.

One factor that experts have considered in relation to the decline in births is the June 2022 US Supreme Court decision that allowed states to restrict or ban abortion. While the decision did not lead to a national increase in births, there are concerns about the impact on teen birth rates, which have shown a flattening trend for girls ages 15 to 17.

The overall fertility rate in the US has dropped to about 1.6 children per woman, the lowest rate on record. Surveys indicate that many couples would like to have more than two children but face obstacles such as housing, job security, and the cost of child care. These challenges are seen as barriers to achieving their family planning goals.

In conclusion, the declining birth rates in the US raise concerns about the potential long-term implications for the country's population growth and demographic trends. Experts continue to monitor the data and analyze the factors contributing to this ongoing trend.