U.S. fertility rate continues long decline as more women delay pregnancy
New CDC data shows the U.S. fertility rate continues to fall, dropping 1% last year and down about 23% from its 2007 peak. Teen birth rates have seen the steepest decline, falling 7% between 2024 and 2025 and down 81% since 1991. Experts say many women are still having children but are choosing to delay pregnancy until they have more stability in their careers, finances, and housing.