Statistics show that the birth rate in Louisiana is on the decline. Preliminary data shows that just over 52,000 babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63,000 in 2013. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says the trend in birth rates and population goes hand-in-hand.
“The reason for the decline in birth is because of a decline in the female population of child-bearing age. So, if we don’t have women between 15 and 24, we’re going to have a lot fewer babies,” Plyer explained.
Plyer says with fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, there will naturally be fewer babies born in the state.
“The state has lost about 50,000 people in the last five years. And some of that is certainly among the child-bearing age population,” Plyer said.
Plyer says a declining birth rate will have a ripple effect in just about every aspect of life in the state.
“It will have impact on schools; it will have impacts on hospitals and will have impacts on all kinds of institutions and facilities and businesses across the state,” Plyer said.
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