New Statistics Report 3% Decrease In U.S. Birth Rates

The CDC released new data that shows that in 2023, the number of women giving birth went down, and health experts said the U.S. is experiencing historically low numbers.

Data from the 'National Vital Statistics Systems' shows that from 2022 to 2023, there was a three percent general fertility rate decrease.

That means there were 54 births for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Data also shows the number of women not getting prenatal treatment rose by five percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Omare Jimmerson with The Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative says lifestyle changes could be leading to the low number.

"Because of lifestyle, girls are starting their cycles much earlier," Jimmerson said. "Which means they’re going through those cycles at an earlier rate. And also the flip side of that, we’ve also seen a dramatic decrease in teen birthrates over the last few years. So what that tells us is women now, because of the education that is available, are waiting longer to have kids."

The Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative said that despite the decrease in birthrates nationwide, referrals at her agency have increased over the past two years.

She encourages women who are pregnant to check out their website at Tulsabei.org to see if they qualify for services.