Teen birth rates hit another historical low in 2025, CDC says

The teen birth rate in the United States reached another historic low in 2025, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This continues a decades-long downward trend that has seen the rate decline by over 75% since its peak in the early 1990s. The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics compiled the data from birth certificates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, providing the most comprehensive picture of this public health metric. Researchers and public health experts attribute this sustained decline to a complex interplay of social, educational, and healthcare factors. A significant driver is a documented decrease in sexual activity among teenagers, coupled with more consistent and effective use of contraception when they are sexually active. Increased access to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as IUDs and implants, has been particularly impactful. Furthermore, comprehensive sex education programs in schools, which emphasize both abstinence and contraceptive methods, have contributed to more informed decision-making among adolescents. The trend also reflects broader societal shifts, including greater educational and career aspirations among young women, which often delay family planning decisions. While access to abortion services remains a contentious and variable factor across different states, its availability in many regions is cited by researchers as one component influencing pregnancy outcomes. The decline is observed across all racial and ethnic groups, though disparities persist, with birth rates remaining higher among Hispanic and Black teenagers compared to their White and Asian peers. Public health officials view the continued drop as a positive indicator but emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to address these disparities and ensure all young people have the resources and knowledge to make healthy choices.