Fox News Analyst Points to Teen Birth Decline as Factor in US Fertility Drop
During a recent segment on Fox News, senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel stirred discussion by suggesting that the declining number of teen births is a significant contributor to the United States' falling fertility rate. In an exchange on "America's Newsroom" with anchor Dana Perino, Siegel characterized the drop in births among individuals aged 15 to 19 as a "problem," linking it to broader demographic challenges.
Record Low Fertility Rate Sparks Concern
The conversation was prompted by new data from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC, which reported that the US fertility rate fell to 53.1 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age in 2025. This marks a 7 percent decline from 2024's rate of 53.8 and represents a record low. Perino described the figures as "a little shocking," despite acknowledging the long-term downward trend.
Siegel emphasized that while the US still sees 3.6 million births annually, the sharp reduction in teen fertility is alarming. He noted that the rate for ages 15 to 19 has dropped 7 percent recently and a staggering 70 percent over the past two decades. "We're telling young people not to have babies, to wait until they're in a more stable life situation, until they're more financially secure. Maybe they haven't found the right partner," Siegel explained, highlighting societal shifts.
Historical Context and Contributing Factors
Teen pregnancy in the US peaked in the late 1950s, around 1957, when the birth rate for girls aged 15 to 19 reached 96.3 per 1,000. This spike was largely driven by post-World War II social norms, where early marriage and childbearing were more common. Since then, the rate has declined sharply, with only a brief rise in the late 1980s before resuming its downward trajectory.
Evidence suggests the decline is primarily due to fewer teens being sexually active and increased use of birth control among those who are, according to a 2024 CDC report. Age of consent laws vary by state, typically ranging from 16 to 18 years old, with some close-in-age exceptions for teens, adding a legal dimension to the discussion.
Broader Demographic Implications
Siegel expanded on the issue, noting that the fertility decline extends beyond teenagers. "People are having kids in their 30s now, not their 20s," he told Perino. This shift has contributed to the US replacement rate falling to 1.56, meaning each couple averages 1.56 children. A rate of two or above is needed to maintain the population at current levels, raising concerns about long-term demographic stability.
The rising cost of raising children in the US adds another layer to the conversation. A new estimate from LendingTree projects the total cost of raising a child through age 18 at $303,418 in 2026, averaging about $16,857 per year. This figure has surpassed $300,000 for the first time since tracking began in 2023, reflecting a roughly 2 percent increase from the previous year and highlighting the affordability crisis affecting many families.
The Independent has reached out to Fox News representatives for comment on Siegel's remarks, as the analysis sparks debate over the intersection of social norms, economic pressures, and national fertility trends.
