According to a recently released study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. birth rate is at the lowest that it has been in 30 years, joining Europe in the largest population crash on record.

The final version of the National Vital Statistics Report, stated that the United States is well below its replacement rate, in addition to the dropping fertility rates. So, what does that exactly mean? Well, simply put, women who are of age to bear children are making the choice not do so

The report goes on to state that the total fertility rate in 2018 was 1,729.5 births per 1,000 women, down 2% from 2017. Between 2007–2013 the fertility rate dropped steadily, but was interrupted by a slight bump in 2014. Since then, fertility rates have continued to fall. The report goes on to say that, “Among the race and Hispanic-origin groups, the TFR declined for nearly all groups in 2018, down 2% for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic; 3% for non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native; and 5% for non-Hispanic Asian women,” adding that, “The rate for non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander women was essentially unchanged from 2017 to 2018.”

Some of the experts blame the Millennials. More and more of this group of young Americans are choosing not to have children and are shying away from traditional relationships.

Demographers have noted that the United states is headed for a “baby crisis” where there won’t be enough people to replace those who are dying. To help maintain our current population, American families need to have 2,100 births per 1,000 women.

The birth rate in other countries has hit near devastating levels above those of the U.S. In Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported that they have lowest number of births since the census first began in 1899. Consequently, there were 1.3 million deaths in Japan while there were only 981,000 births.

The Irish Times, stated that, “[The] European civilization is dying,” because “birth rates in all 28 EU countries are now below replacement rates, and all indigenous populations are in decline.” Italy’s Health Minister declared that in as early as 2015 the country is “dying.” The birth rate there is the lowest since 1861.