U.S. twin birth rate 1980-2022

Since 1980, the U.S. birth rate for twins has risen significantly. As of 2022, the birth rate for twins in the U.S. was 31.2 per 1,000 live births. It is believed that an increase in the twin birth rate may be associated with an increased use of in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies in recent years. 

U.S. twin births

Across the U.S. twin birth rates vary in many ways. The U.S. states with the highest twin birth rates are Alabama and Michigan. Ethnicity is another factor to be considered when investigating the twin birth rate. Since 1980, the U.S. twin birth rate has increased among all ethnicities; however, it has increased more among non-Hispanic black mothers and less among Hispanic mothers. And finally, age is another important factor in twin birth rates. As of 2022, mothers between the ages of 45-54 had the highest twin birth rates in the United States.

Assisted reproductive technology

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a treatment used to treat infertility among men and women. A common complication associated with ART is multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.). In the U.S., among all ART pregnancies, the most common outcome was a still single infant birth, followed by miscarriage. However multiple births accounted for nearly five percent of all outcomes. This percentage would increase if multiple birth rate per live birth was considered. ART is also most common among older mothers.