ISTANBUL

The US fertility rate fell to a historic low in 2024, with women having fewer than 1.6 children on average, according to new federal data released Thursday.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a decline in the country's fertility rate, which dropped to 1.59 in 2024 from 1.62 in 2023. The rate was around 3.5 in the early 1960s, fell to 1.7 by 1976 after the Baby Boom, rose to 2.1 in 2007, and has mostly declined since then.

The figure marks the lowest level since records began and places the US in line with many Western European countries, based on World Bank comparisons.

In response to the sharp decline, the Trump administration has moved to address the issue, unveiling measures aimed at reversing the trend. Among them is a recent executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing its cost.

The administration has also voiced support for the concept of “baby bonuses,” financial incentives intended to encourage families to have more children.

Officials say the steps are part of broader efforts to address long-term demographic and economic challenges posed by falling birth rates.

The CDC’s latest report, based on a more complete review of birth certificates, shows that total births in the US rose by 1% in 2024—about 33,000 more than the previous year—bringing the total to just over 3.6 million.

However, unlike earlier provisional data that suggested rising birth rates for women in their late 20s and 30s, the updated report shows a decline in birth rates for women in their 20s and early 30s, and no change for women in their late 30s.