Fact Check: "April 2024 marked the first annual birth increase in nine years!"
What We Know
According to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the number of births in the United States increased by 1% in 2024, marking a total of 3,622,673 births. This increase in births is significant as it represents the first annual rise in births in the U.S. after a prolonged period of decline spanning nine years. The report also noted a slight increase in the general fertility rate, which reached 54.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15–44 in 2024.
The data for this report was derived from over 99% of birth certificates for births occurring in 2024, providing a robust basis for the findings. The report highlighted that while the overall birth rate increased, there were variations by age group, with declines in birth rates for younger mothers (ages 15-24) and increases for older mothers (ages 25-44) (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that April 2024 marked the first annual birth increase in nine years is supported by credible data from the CDC's NCHS. The report's findings are based on comprehensive data collection, which is a standard practice for the NCHS, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability (source-1).
However, it is important to contextualize this increase within the broader trends in U.S. birth rates. Despite the uptick in 2024, the total number of births remains near historical lows, with the report indicating that the number of births in 2024 was among the lowest recorded in the past four decades (source-4). This suggests that while there was a positive change in 2024, it does not necessarily indicate a long-term trend reversal.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they come from official health statistics and reputable institutions. The NCHS is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which lends credibility to its data and findings.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that April 2024 marked the first annual birth increase in nine years is accurate based on the data released by the NCHS. The increase of 1% in the number of births from the previous year confirms this assertion. While the increase is a positive sign, it is essential to recognize that the overall birth rates remain low compared to historical averages.
