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Birth rates decline in Arkansas, hit record low in the country


Birth rates decline in Arkansas, hit record low in the country
Birth rates decline in Arkansas, hit record low in the country
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People in Arkansas are having fewer and fewer babies, according to data from the Arkansas Department of Health. The CDC reports birth rates in the U.S. have hit a record low, and Arkansas is seeing a similar trend.

The Arkansas Department of Health reported that last year, the state had its lowest birth rate in at least 19 years.

"When you look at the numbers across the state, the decline is definitely noticeable," said Dr. William Greenfield, medical director for family health. Greenfield also works as associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAMS.

Greenfield said they've made efforts at the Department of Health to educate Arkansans about responsible parenting, planned birth, and to provide more access to contraception.

"In my day-to-day, I am constantly counseling patients on best practices regarding their health and future life," Greenfield said.

He says he's not worried about the falling birth rate, because it could mean couples are waiting until they're ready.

"We may be seeing some of the benefits of those efforts,” he said.

Greenfield said more of his patients are women in their late thirties to early forties.

"Fortunately, we've seen a decline in the teen birth rate, which is a positive," he added.

But experts like Greenfield are left wondering if this trend will continue. Demographers must determine what other factors could be triggering the birth rate decline. The decline began in the U.S. during the 2008 recession.

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