A Baby Boom in Eastern Iowa Bucks Lower US Birth Rate Trend

The CDC says The United States has seen a decline in birth rates for decades, and in 2023 the rate fell to its lowest level since 1979.  But wait, good news friend and it comes from Iowa.  A bit more on that later.

What factors lead to a decline?

Birth rates have been declining for the last few decades, and Americans are currently not having enough children to replace the country's population. Much of the birth rate decline can be attributed to ongoing social and economic issues leading women to have fewer children later in life.  Some factors that may be contributing to the decline in birth rates include:

• Social & Economic Issues
• Lack of paid family leave
• High health costs
• Women establishing fulfilling careers
• More access to contraception
• The "opportunity cost" of having a child has grown

Is there anywhere the birth rate is up?

With all that said: if you're looking for higher birth rates, hitch your wagon and head out to the midwest, baby.  There's been a boom in Dubuque and we know what a lot of  Dubuque's finest were doing about 9 months ago, baby making.  I'm no obstetrician but the numbers at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital do all the talking.  They delivered a record 71 babies last month.  This is the most the hospital has delivered in 7 years.  Dubuque said bah humbug to low birth rates.  UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital said in a statement that they're on track for another record month of babies being born in September.

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Is this happening elsewhere?

That's just one hospital.  Who knows what else is happening across town? Could Dubuque be the mecca of baby birthing? Possibly, maybe.  How much more solid can you get than possibly AND maybe?  Job well done Dubuque, keep it up.  The country needs you.