For the first time since at least 1990, in 2023, more babies were born to women aged 40 and older than to teenagers in the United States.

The Shifting Landscape of Motherhood: A New Era in U.S. Fertility Trends

In a striking revelation, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted a significant shift in the demographics of motherhood in the United States. For the first time in history, more babies are being born to women over 40 than to teenagers. This trend marks a profound change in the way women approach family planning, career development, and reproductive health.

The CDC report reveals that teen births have plummeted by 73% since 1990, with birth rates among teenagers reaching an all-time low of 13.1 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2023. Conversely, births among women over 40 have surged by 193% during the same period, accounting for 4.1% of all births in 2023, edging out the 4.0% share for births to teenagers ¹.

This seismic shift in fertility trends can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. One primary driver is the increasing focus on education and career development among young women. As more women pursue higher education and establish their careers, they are delaying family formation until later in life. This trend is reflected in the data, with births to women aged 30-34 increasing by 24% and births to women aged 35-39 nearly doubling since 1990 ².

Advances in reproductive technology have also played a significant role in this trend. The development of assisted reproductive technologies such as egg freezing and in vitro fertilization has enabled women to conceive later in life, reducing the pressure to start a family at a younger age. These technologies have given women greater control over their reproductive choices, allowing them to balance their personal and professional goals.

Cultural shifts have also contributed to the decline in teen births and the rise in births among older women. Changing societal norms have reduced the stigma around delayed motherhood and non-traditional family structures. As a result, women are feeling more empowered to make choices about their reproductive health that align with their individual goals and circumstances.

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The implications of these trends are far-reaching. The decline in teen births is a testament to the effectiveness of interventions such as comprehensive sex education and contraceptive use. However, the rise in births among older women highlights the need for targeted healthcare and social services to support women who are starting families later in life.

As the demographics of motherhood continue to evolve, policymakers and healthcare providers will need to adapt to meet the changing needs of women and families. This may involve implementing policies that support work-life balance, providing access to reproductive healthcare, and promoting education and career development opportunities for young women.

In conclusion, the shifting landscape of motherhood in the United States reflects a complex interplay of demographic, cultural, and economic factors. As women continue to delay family formation and pursue their educational and career goals, it is essential that we provide the necessary support systems to ensure their health, well-being, and reproductive autonomy.

References:

 ² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Births in the United States, 2023.

 ¹ Parriva. (2025). Births Among Women Over 40 Surge In The U.S. as Teen Pregnancy Hits Record Low.

Follow-up Questions:

1. What are the potential implications of the declining teen birth rate on the U.S. population and economy?

2. How can policymakers and healthcare providers better support women who are delaying family formation until later in life?