The number of births in the United States has continued to slowly decline or remain flat since 2015, and the fertility and birth rates among teenagers continues to fall by much larger margins. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a continued decline in U.S. fertility and birth rates, while cesarean sections rise and preterm birth rates remain stable. The 2025 provisional birth count dropped 1% to about 3.6 million, equating to 22,534 fewer births. The national fertility rate measures live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age.
The number of births has been steadily decreasing or remaining flat since 2015. Teen fertility rates have plummeted by 72% since 2007, with a further 7% drop for ages 15 to 19 last year. Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, are urging policy action to counteract the falling birth rate, advocating for higher taxes on childless individuals and expanding child tax credits.
Despite political pressures, sociologists argue that low birth rates reflect an advanced society offering career and personal opportunities. Factors such as daycare costs, abortion policies, and political instability impact decisions around having children. Interviews with women in 2025 highlight these concerns.
The CDC reports that C-section rates are the highest since 2013, with first-time mothers experiencing an increase from 26.6% in 2024 to 26.9% in 2025. Preterm birth rates have seen little change since 2021.
Stateline reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris can be reached at kmoseley@stateline.org.
This story was originally produced by Stateline, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and donors.
