The fertility rate in the United States has fallen to its lowest level ever, continuing a decades-long decline that poses significant challenges to the economy and social safety nets, according to new federal data. Preliminary data from the CDC shows that approximately 3.6 million babies will be born in the US in 2025.
This represents a birth rate of about 53 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age – a decline of 1% from 2024 and a staggering 20% decline over the past two decades. In particular, the birth rate among teenagers (15-19 years old) fell by 7% last year to 11.7 births per 1,000 women. This decline was steepest among younger teens (15-17 years), with the rate falling by 11% to a 7% decline among older teens.
So far, the CDC says the reasons for the decline are not entirely clear, as there is evidence that this decline is due to more teens abstaining from sexual activity, and more sexually active teens using contraception.”
CDC analysis shows that the US teen birth rate remains higher than many other high-income countries, with significant disparities across racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic groups. Although birth rates have been declining for years — as Americans marry later and face increasing financial pressure — the C-section rate rose to 32.5% in 2025, the highest rate in more than a decade. Experts suggest it is crucial for everyone, not just women, to understand how age affects fertility so they can make informed life decisions.
