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US births rose by only 1 percent in 2024, reaching 3.6 million, remaining near record lows. This continues a long-term decline since 2007, with the fertility rate at 1.6 births per woman, far below the 2.1 needed to sustain the population. This trend is concerning demographers due to potential negative economic impacts from a shrinking workforce supporting an aging population.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.