Fact Check: "The number of babies born in 2023 was the lowest since 1977."
What We Know
The claim that "the number of babies born in 2023 was the lowest since 1977" has not been substantiated by credible sources as of October 2023. Birth statistics are typically compiled and reported by national health departments or statistical agencies. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) provide annual reports on birth rates in the United States. These reports indicate trends in birth rates over the years, but comprehensive data for the entirety of 2023 may not yet be available or finalized.
Analysis
To evaluate the claim, we must consider the reliability of the sources that typically report on birth statistics. The CDC and NCHS are authoritative sources, and their data is widely accepted in public health discussions. However, as of now, there has been no official release of birth data for 2023 that confirms or denies this claim.
Additionally, while there have been discussions about declining birth rates in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced 2022 and 2023 statistics, the assertion that 2023 has the lowest number of births since 1977 requires specific data that is not currently available.
Moreover, anecdotal reports or unverified claims circulating on social media or less reliable platforms do not meet the standards for factual verification. The claim lacks citation from a reputable source, which raises questions about its validity.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified. The claim that the number of babies born in 2023 was the lowest since 1977 cannot be confirmed at this time due to the absence of finalized birth data for the year. Reliable sources such as the CDC and NCHS have not yet published comprehensive statistics for 2023, making it impossible to validate or refute this assertion.
