Bryan Babb, DCNF
The U.S. birthrate in 2021 increased for the first time since 2014, with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions potentially causing the jump.
The U.S. birthrate saw a 1% increase over the course of 2021 with 3.66 million babies being born throughout the year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. All age groups of women over 25 contributed to the jump in birthrates, with some experts suggesting that a lengthening COVID-19 pandemic might have contributed to the bump, according to The Wall Street Journal.
New CDC study: The U.S. birthrate increased for the first time in seven years—by 1%. Now just above its record low.https://t.co/5tSY6PMxWw
CDC breaks down by age: Birthrates increased for all groups over 25, but decreased for 15-25 year olds. pic.twitter.com/zmgLoJUgLc
— Derek Thompson (@DKThomp) May 24, 2022
Women in the 35-39 age group contributed to the highest number of births, according to the CDC statistics. Federal birth report co-author Brady Hamilton suggested that this could be a result of COVID-19 conditions, the WSJ reported.
“When you see the decline in births that occurred in 2020, there’s this tendency to look at them as births that have been foregone,” Hamilton said, according to the WSJ. “These are births that have been postponed.”
Dr. Hamilton added that issues including a baby formula shortage and inflation may put a stop to the birthrate bump, the WSJ reported.
The baby bump follows a dip in birthrates since 2007 that might have started with The Great Recession, according to a winter 2022 study. However, some researchers claim that the decline could be due to societal change and an increased focus on individual autonomy and a decreased focus on marriage across age groups.
For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].
- ‘Swampy and wrong’: Conservatives torch GOP colleagues for backroom deal protecting Epstein-linked Dem - November 19, 2025
- ‘This is Jill sticking the shiv’: Biden raises eyebrows when he gives credit to Kamala for economic policy - August 16, 2024
- Damning new ad slamming ‘Chief Weirdo Tim Walz’ launches same time as blistering new nickname - August 6, 2024
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.