Health
Americans are having fewer babies as birth rate hits historic low, CDC reveals
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the birth rate in America has dropped to a historic low, decreasing by 3% since 2022.
The rate has been on a steady decline since 2014, except for a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021.
In recent years, the priorities of young Americans have been changing, including the desire to have children, the data suggests.
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Experts say this drop-off could be caused by many factors — including a heightened focus on career goals, the cost of raising children, a priority on personal liberty and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future and growing fertility concerns.
Career comes first?
Kyle Elliott, a career coach and job search expert based in Santa Barbara, California, told Fox News Digital about a lack of interest in having children among working professionals.
“I am seeing a huge increase in the focus of careers among Americans,” he said.
“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”
“They’re recognizing that it’s more challenging to balance work and life because their careers are taking up more time.”
Many Americans are working 50 to 60 hours per week, according to Elliott.
“Trying to balance that is a lot more difficult than it was 20, 10 or even five years ago,” he said.
Individuals who work extended hours are more likely to meet their career goals and earn more money, he said — so many find it “helpful” to forgo parenting commitments.
Company policies for parental leave and child care also come into play, Elliott said.
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While some American businesses have improved accommodations for new parents, the U.S. is “still far behind compared to other countries,” he said.
When employees return from maternity or paternity leave, they’re often still responsible for child care, Elliott noted, which can be “really difficult to balance.”
“I think it would benefit both the employee and the employer if organizations provided more accommodations, whether that’s child care or additional leave or more flexibility, such as remote work or work from anywhere,” he said.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to better support parents,” he said, expressing his professional opinion.
Cost of childrearing
The cost of having a child can be daunting for some young Americans, as inflation remains high in many U.S. states, the Labor Department has reported.
A middle-income married couple with two children can expect to pay about $306,924 to raise a child born in 2023, according to data from Credit Karma.
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This estimate is based on a 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture study.
Cost factors include housing (about 30% of total expenses), food, child care and education, transportation, health care, clothing and other items.
Day care alone could cost up to $17,000 per year in some states, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Labor.
There could also be the added cost of saving for the child’s future, including college planning.
Dr. Michele Borba, a California-based educational psychologist and parenting expert, agreed that finances are a “huge factor” in terms of two working parents deciding to have a baby.
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“The cost of child care is unbelievably astronomical, and it’s unaffordable for a lot of parents,” she told Fox News Digital.
Years ago, “you had a nuclear family, or you had a mom who lived next door … and a lot of times, [people] don’t have that” now.
Changing culture and politics
The American family unit has shifted from earlier generations, as many couples are choosing to get married at older ages and limit the number of kids they have, if any, experts say.
Borba, author of “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine,” emphasized an increased focus on mental health and the need for parents to be mentally strong to raise a child.
Many Americans do not have a secure support system to help raise a child, the psychologist noted, and single parenting is “even harder” for unmarried individuals.
A desire for personal freedom can also play a role in a decision not to have children, she noted.
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Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, said he believes politics has played a role in people’s decisions to have children or not.
“Patients often cite their reasons as, ‘I don’t want to add to the carbon footprint’ or ‘I don’t want to contribute to overpopulation,’ while others feel great insecurity about the state of the world and say, ‘The world is too dangerous of a place to raise a child,’” he told Fox News Digital.
Among those “more moderate” politically, Alpert said, “they worry about what it would be like to raise a kid in the climate of pronouns, boys competing in girls’ sports, and boys and girls sharing locker rooms.”
Other people simply don’t feel the pressure to have kids as people once did, the psychologist noted.
“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — go to school, meet someone, get married, have kids. Now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”
Fear of the unknown
Many adults are also burdened by feelings of uncertainty about the future, Borba said, which can result in a “doom and gloom” perspective when considering whether to bring a human being into the world.
Some parents may ask themselves, “Is this the right kind of place to have a child?” or “Should I bring a human into this world when I don’t feel secure myself?”
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Parenting “isn’t as relaxed” as it used to be decades ago, when parents took more of a hands-off approach and there was less emphasis on accelerated development and hyper-safety, according to Borba.
Kids in previous generations had “a lot more free time, a lot more play,” Borba said.
“Those are things that aren’t part of our kids’ world right now, unfortunately. A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”
Fertility obstacles
The chances of a woman experiencing fertility and pregnancy problems can be another deterrent to having children.
That’s according to Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, who told Fox News Digital that the health and cost implications of childbirth could cause couples to decide against becoming parents.
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The U.S. is currently experiencing a maternal mortality crisis, LoPiano said.
In 2021, the maternal death rate was 32 out of 100,000 births, which reportedly doubles and triples the current rates in other similarly resourced countries.
This could be due to the increase in maternal age, chronic health conditions and pregnancy-related health conditions that can appear at an “extreme age spectrum,” LoPiano said.
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“Lack of access to adequate prenatal care, health care costs and restrictive reproductive health care laws all contribute to poor outcomes,” she said.
Socioeconomic factors and other insecurities also play a role in the declining birth rate, LoPiano told Fox News Digital.
‘Should I have a baby?’
For couples who are on the fence about having a child, Borba encouraged them to use their best judgment.
“Nobody knows yourself better,” she said. “In the end, you know who you are and what you can give, so make the decision based on what’s best for your family and your child.”
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Borba suggested writing down the reasons in a journal and leaning on a trusted support system.
“If you want to stick to a decision, you need to be firm and understand your ‘why,’ which means you need to do a little reflective measure,” she advised.
Borba also emphasized the importance of being on the same page as your partner when it comes to having children.
If mental health is the main concern, she suggested seeking help from a provider who can help clarify the decision.
Long-term effects
Overall, Alpert said, it is natural for birth rates to “ebb and flow” over time.
“There’s probably no reason to be alarmed [by today’s declining birth rates],” he told Fox News Digital.
“A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”
“That said, if there’s a significant decline, the proportion of the elderly population would increase relative to births, which could strain the health care system as more resources are put into medical care for the aging population.”
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There would also be fewer people entering the workforce and less spending, Alpert added — resulting in slower economic growth and potentially adversely affecting the Social Security system.
FOX Business’ Megan Henney contributed to this report.
Health
Is suicide contagious? Mental health experts warn of very real risk
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be “contagious,” leading to “suicide clusters.”
Suicide clusters are defined as “a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community,” the CDC states.
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Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania, who is an expert in suicide prevention, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect — particularly among young people.
“When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress,” she told Fox News Digital.
“The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.”
Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.
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“It doesn’t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well — with depression, anxiety and other feelings that may be overwhelming,” she told Fox News Digital.
5 possible reasons for suicide contagion
Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters.
1. Normalization
When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.
“People often look to others for cues on how to behave,” she told Fox News Digital.
“If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or ‘correct’ thing to do.”
2. Copying or modeling
“Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions,” Gilman said.
“In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors.”
“The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.”
Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said.
“This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain.”
3. Social proof
People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman.
“From social learning theory, if the observed behavior — in this case, suicide — is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated.”
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This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.
4. Vulnerability
“Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues — especially depression and anxiety — may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors,” Gilman warned.
Those experiencing difficult life circumstances — such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles — may be more susceptible, she added.
5. Recency bias
“People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled,” Gilman said.
“If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people’s minds.”
6 warning signs among survivors
For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it’s important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.
1. Increased suicidal thoughts
“Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate professional help is necessary,” Gilman advised.
“For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it.”
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They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.
2. Feelings of being a burden
People saying they feel like a burden is a “major red flag,” according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
“Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor,” he told Fox News Digital.
“When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential.”
3. Inability to cope with daily life
“Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the emotional burden is too great to handle without professional support,” Gilman said.
The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.
4. Risky behaviors
Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.
“For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain,” said Gilman.
“Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor.”
“Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, promiscuous sex or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk.”
5. Severe mood or behavior changes
Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor’s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.
This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their “normal” demeanor.
6. Withdrawal from support systems
“Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own,” Gilman warned.
The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.
The signs aren’t always obvious, however, Banta noted.
“We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape,” he said.
Preventing contagion after a suicide
Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of “clusters” following a suicide.
1. Use careful communication
“It’s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly,” Fenkel said.
“Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.
“This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss,” she said.
2. Offer support
Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.
“It’s crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support,” she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.
Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system.
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“In terms of public health communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there,” he said.
3. Stop the stigma
“Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation,” Gilman warned.
When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted.
Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.
“Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said.
Suicide is a “fleeting state of mind,” Banta pointed out.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did,” he said.
“So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don’t give up.”
Health
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Health
Superbugs due to antibiotic resistance could kill 39 million people by 2050, large study finds
Resistance to antibiotics has led to one million worldwide deaths each year since 1990, for a total of 36 million.
It is expected to cause more than 39 million more fatalities by 2050 — three per minute.
That’s according to a large study led by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, a partnership between the University of Oxford and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
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After analyzing 520 million health records, the researchers provided future estimates for 22 pathogens, 84 pathogen-drug combinations and 11 infectious syndromes across 204 countries and territories, according to a GRAM press release.
Findings from the study were published in The Lancet on Monday.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria and other types of germs become stronger than the medications given to treat them, creating so-called “superbugs.”
This can make infections difficult or impossible to treat, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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“In modern medicine, the use of antibiotics has allowed us to successfully perform organ transplants, complex surgical procedures and care for extremely preterm infants,” Jasmine Riviere Marcelin, MD, a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and infectious diseases professor at the University of Nebraska — who was not involved in the study — told Fox News Digital.
“These interventions have been successful because antibiotics have allowed us to prevent and treat infections in these critically ill patients.”
Now, antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a “significant health risk,” she warned, because they prevent the ability to treat or prevent infections.
“Not only will our advancements in medicine be at risk, but we may find ourselves back to where we were in the pre-antibiotic era, when mortality from simple skin/soft tissue infections was significant,” Marcelin added.
“We may find ourselves back to where we were in the pre-antibiotic era.”
Maureen Tierney, MD, associate dean of clinical research and public health at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, was also not involved in the study, but confirmed that it is “the most comprehensive attempt to determine the burden of antimicrobial resistance [in terms of] disability and death.”
“This was an enormous effort using all different sources of data in countries around the world to estimate the number of deaths caused by microorganisms resistant to several types of antibiotics,” she told Fox News Digital.
Marking key shifts
Since 1990, the infection that caused the biggest increase was MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to some antibiotics.
Annual MRSA-related deaths increased from 57,200 in 1990 to 130,000 in 2021, the study found.
Despite the overall increase in AMR-related mortality, deaths among kids younger than 5 were cut in half between 1990 and 2021.
The researchers attributed this to childhood vaccination programs and wider access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene practices.
The sharpest increase was among adults 70 and older, who saw a more than 80% uptick in AMR deaths.
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“Researchers expect these trends to continue in the coming decades, with AMR deaths among children under 5 projected to halve by 2050 globally, as deaths among people 70 years and older more than double,” the press release stated.
Geographically, deaths rose the most in western sub-Saharan Africa, tropical Latin America, high-income North America, Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Combating antimicrobial resistance
Next week, global health leaders plan to meet at the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss new strategies for addressing AMR.
Potential interventions include “infection prevention and control measures, such as new vaccines and antimicrobials, and improved access to water and sanitation — as well as deeper investments across health systems in diagnostics, training and new technologies,” the release stated.
“The most important ways to decrease the incidence of antibiotic resistance are vaccination for pneumonia, influenza, COVID, measles and other diseases,” Tierney from Creighton University told Fox News Digital.
Tierney also calls for “antimicrobial stewardship” – which she defines as “the judicious use of antibiotics in humans, animals and farming” – as well as infection prevention practices, especially in health care facilities, and the development of new antibiotics.
“Antibiotics are a shared natural resource that we must all protect.”
While creating new drugs is one way to combat AMR, Marcelin warned that relying only on drug discovery would be “futile,” given the length of time it takes for new medications to be developed, tested and approved.
“The number of new or repurposed antibiotics in late-stage clinical development is very small, and no single antibiotic candidate claims to have activity against those bacteria resistant to all currently available drugs,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“If we can’t make new drugs easily, we can combat resistance by controlling the spread of resistant organisms, which is the principle of infection control.”
To prevent resistance, Marcelin agrees that antibiotics should be prescribed and used “only when they are indicated, for the optimal duration, and at the right timing and dosing regimen.”
She added, “Antibiotics are a shared natural resource that we must all protect, so that we can continue to live in a world where we make medical advances and reduce mortality from bacterial infections.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital reached out to GRAM researchers requesting comment.
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