U.S. Birth Rate Hits Historic Low, Teen Pregnancies Plummet

The number of babies born in the United States has fallen to its lowest level on record. This continues a downward trend that began in 2007. A major reason for the overall decline is a dramatic drop in births to teenagers. The teen birth rate has fallen by more than half over the past 15 years. Experts point to several factors. These include greater access to birth control and sex education programs focused on prevention. Changing social attitudes and economic concerns among young adults are also seen as contributors. The sustained decrease raises important questions for future population growth and social programs. These systems, like Social Security, rely on a steady stream of younger workers to support an aging population. The new data comes from the National Center for Health Statistics. It is based on an analysis of nearly all birth certificates issued last year.