U.S. fertility rates hover near record low — and more
For Wednesday, April 23, WGN's Ben Bradley and Lourdes Duarte have the latest on new medical information, including:
More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch
According to a newly released report from the CDC, the U.S. fertility rate continues to hover near record lows. Statistics show just over three and a half million babies were born in the U.S. last year.
That's only a one percent increase from 20-23, when birth rates hit a record low.
The CDC report also shows a shift toward older mothers.
President Donald Trump has called for a 'baby boom,' and Vice President J.D. Vance has notably criticized childless young Americans.
Experts say the U.S is facing a maternal health care crisis, pointing to the high maternal mortality rate and the maternal health care deserts in more than a third of the country.
The American Cancer Society reports that smoking-related cancers in the U.S. have dropped.
In its latest report, the agency attributes the decline to decreasing smoking rates. But it also warns that cervical cancer screenings have dropped among women ages 21 to 65, leaving them at risk of not detecting the disease early.
In addition, rates of HPV vaccination, which prevents cervical cancer, have stalled.
The report also says cancers linked to excessive weight, like kidney, colon, and pancreatic cancers, are on the rise.
Misinformation about measles is spreading fast.
A new poll reveals that parents are uncertain about the safety of the measles vaccine.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has amplified some misconceptions about a link between the vaccine and the diagnosis of autism.
An estimated 6 out of 10 adults have heard a false claim about the measles vaccine.
Uncertainty has led some parents to delay or skip vaccinating their children.
There have been 800 confirmed measles cases across 24 states in the United States so far this year.
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