The birth rate among Americans has reached a record low, according to the CDC.

Since 2022, the birth rate in America has decreased by 3%, reaching a historic low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since 2014, the rate has been decreasing, except for a 1% increase from 2020 to 2021.

Recent data indicates that the priorities of young Americans are shifting, with a decreasing desire to have children being one of the changes.

Numerous factors could be contributing to the decline in birth rates, such as a greater emphasis on career goals, the expense of raising children, a prioritization of personal freedom and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future, and growing fertility concerns.

Career comes first?

A career coach and job search expert based in Santa Barbara, California, informed Planet Chronicle Digital that working professionals are showing a decreased interest in having children.

He stated that there is a significant rise in the career focus among Americans.

"In the past, there were certain expectations in place — now, the path isn't as predictable or expected."

"They acknowledge that it is increasingly difficult to maintain a work-life balance due to the increasing demands of their careers."

According to Elliott, a large number of Americans work between 50 to 60 hours per week.

"Balancing that is much more challenging now than it was 20, 10, or even five years ago," he stated.

Those who work long hours are more likely to achieve their career objectives and earn more income, as many people find it "useful" to neglect parental responsibilities.

Parental leave and child care policies are also relevant, Elliott stated.

Despite some American businesses enhancing accommodations for new parents, the U.S. lags significantly behind other countries, according to him.

Elliott pointed out that when employees return from maternity or paternity leave, they are often still responsible for child care, which can be challenging to balance.

He suggested that providing more accommodations, such as child care, additional leave, or flexibility like remote work or work from anywhere, would benefit both employees and employers.

He expressed his professional opinion that there is a lot of opportunity to better support parents.

Cost of childrearing

The high inflation in many U.S. states can make the cost of having a child daunting for some young Americans, according to the Labor Department.

According to Credit Karma's data, a middle-income married couple with two children can expect to spend approximately $306,924 to raise a child born in 2023.

This estimate is based on a 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture study.

The total expenses include approximately 30% for housing, food, child care and education, transportation, health care, clothing, and other items.

In some states, the cost of day care could reach up to $17,000 per year, as per 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Saving for a child's future, including college planning, can be an added expense.

According to Dr. Michele Borba, a California-based educational psychologist and parenting expert, finances play a significant role in two working parents' decision to have a baby.

The cost of child care is incredibly high and unattainable for many parents, as she stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

Nowadays, "you had a nuclear family, or you had a mom who lived next door ... and a lot of times, [people] don't have that" is no longer the case.

Changing culture and politics

Experts say that the American family unit has changed from previous generations, with many couples opting to get married later in life and having fewer children, if any at all.

Borba, the author of "Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine," highlighted the importance of mental health and the need for parents to prioritize their own mental well-being in order to better support their children.

Single parenting is "even harder" for unmarried individuals, as many Americans lack a secure support system to help raise a child, the psychologist pointed out.

Not having children can also be influenced by a desire for personal freedom, she pointed out.

A psychotherapist and author from New York City, Jonathan Alpert, stated that he believes politics influences individuals' choices about having children or not.

According to the speaker, patients frequently give reasons such as "I don't want to contribute to carbon footprint" or "I don't want to add to overpopulation" when citing their reasons. On the other hand, some patients express insecurity about the world and say, "The world is too dangerous to raise a child."

Alpert stated that those who are more moderate politically are concerned about the impact of raising a child in a climate where pronouns are widely used, boys compete in girls' sports, and boys and girls share locker rooms.

The psychologist observed that people no longer feel the pressure to have children as they once did.

"Historically, there were specific obligations to fulfill - attending school, finding a partner, getting married, and starting a family. However, the journey now is less predictable and structured."

Fear of the unknown

Borba stated that many adults are weighed down by uncertainties about the future, which can lead to a pessimistic outlook when considering parenthood.

Some parents may wonder if it is the right place to have a child or if they should bring a child into the world when they do not feel secure themselves.

According to Borba, parenting today is not as relaxed as it was decades ago, when parents had a more hands-off approach and there was less emphasis on accelerated development and hyper-safety.

Borba stated that kids in previous generations had "more free time and more play."

"Unfortunately, the world that our kids are growing up in is not the one that many parents experienced in their own childhoods. This is because a lot of parents today are growing up in a fear-based world, which is affecting their decisions."

Fertility obstacles

Another reason a woman may not want to have children is the possibility of fertility and pregnancy problems.

According to Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer at Wisp, the health and cost implications of childbirth could deter couples from becoming parents.

The U.S. is currently experiencing a maternal mortality crisis, LoPiano said.

The maternal death rate in 2021 was 32 out of 100,000 births, which is reportedly twice to three times higher than the rates in other similarly resourced countries.

According to LoPiano, maternal age, chronic health conditions, and pregnancy-related health conditions can arise at an "extreme age spectrum."

Inadequate prenatal care, high health care costs, and restrictive reproductive health care laws lead to poor outcomes, she stated.

The declining birth rate is influenced by socioeconomic factors and other insecurities, as stated by LoPiano to Planet Chronicle Digital.

‘Should I have a baby?’

Borba advised couples who are undecided about having a child to trust their instincts.

"Ultimately, it's up to you to determine your identity and what you can offer, so choose wisely for the sake of your family and your child."

Borba proposed journaling the reasons and leaning on a reliable support system.

To remain committed to a choice, it is crucial to be resolute and comprehend your motivation, which entails engaging in some introspection, she suggested.

Borba highlighted the significance of being in agreement with your partner regarding having children.

She recommended consulting a mental health professional to help clarify the decision.

Long-term effects

It is natural for birth rates to fluctuate over time, as Alpert stated.

He assured Planet Chronicle Digital that there was no cause for concern regarding the decline in birth rates today.

"A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that's impacting their decisions."

"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."

Alpert stated that if there are fewer people entering the workforce and less spending, it could lead to slower economic growth and negatively impact the Social Security system.

FOX Business’ Megan Henney contributed to this report.